A tubo-ovarian abscess in an aplastic anemia case presenting as a fever of unknown origin: A case report

Authors

  • Rashi Mittal All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
  • Saurabh Kumar Gautam All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
  • Prasan Kumar Panda All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
  • Latika Chawla All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Keywords:

Febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, pyrexia of unknown origin, tuberculosis, tubo-ovarian abscesses

Abstract

In this case report we describe a complex case of a tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) presenting atypically as a fever of unknown origin (FUO) in a woman in her 30s initially diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia. The case involved a protracted febrile illness, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pancytopenia. Detection of an Escherichia coli tubo-ovarian abscess, rather than tuberculosis, necessitated a thorough investigation of atypical presentations of TOA. Negative tuberculosis tests indicated a possibility of various microbial etiologies. The resolution of fever following drainage and tailored antibiotic therapy, as well as timely surgical intervention, demonstrated the importance of specific management strategies in such cases. Awareness of the diverse presentations of TOA, such as FUO, especially in patients presumed to have other conditions, such as aplastic anemia, is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

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Published

2025-06-01

How to Cite

1.
Mittal R, Kumar Gautam S, Kumar Panda P, Chawla L. A tubo-ovarian abscess in an aplastic anemia case presenting as a fever of unknown origin: A case report. Chula Med J [internet]. 2025 Jun. 1 [cited 2025 Jul. 12];69(3). available from: https://he05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/CMJ/article/view/5904

Issue

Vol. 69 No. 3 (2025): Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Section

Case Report

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