Ruptured Appendiceal Diverticulum Leading to Tubo-Ovarian Abscess in a Non-Sexually Active Woman: A Case Study

BACKGROUND Pelvic inflammatory diseases and tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs) are rarely seen in non-sexually active (NSA) women. While the pathogenesis of TOA remains unclear, its risk factors include ascending infection of the genital tract, gastrointestinal tract translocation, congenital genitourinary anomalies, as well as virulence of the causative agents, with preceding bacteremia and septicemia. CASE REPORT Herein, we present the case of a 25-year-old female patient who was initially diagnosed with ovarian torsion and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Her intraoperative findings included bilateral TOAs and adhesions. Owing to this uncommon presentation, further investigation was conducted, including postoperative computed tomography. The results showed a likelihood of a perforated appendix, with a repeat laparoscopy confirming this diagnosis. Appendectomy and drainage were done. The microbial culture from the ovarian abscess revealed Streptococcus constellatus, a commensal organism found in the oral, gastrointestinal, and urogenital flora. This microorganism is rarely isolated as a pathogenic organism in immune-competent populations. Furthermore, the histopathology report of the appendix showed a rare occurrence of chronic active diverticulitis, with perforation and peri-appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS TOA in NSA women should be considered when evaluating differential diagnoses, with the possibility of infection with an atypical organism. Broad-spectrum antibiotics or multidrug therapy should be administered. When suspicion is raised, an imaging study with a broader view to detect the pathology of other organ systems is recommended. Lower abdominal pain in young female patients still poses a diagnostic dilemma and should be investigated; however, when the clinical presentation suggests a gynecological emergency, the time frame can pose challenges.