S3833 An Atypical Presentation of a Unilateral Krukenberg Tumor of Colonic Origin in a Postmenopausal Woman

Introduction: Krukenberg tumors (KTs) are metastatic ovarian tumors characterized by mucus-filled signet ring cells and stromal involvement. While they usually arise from gastric carcinoma, they can also originate from other mucinous tumors, including colorectal cancer (11% of cases). KTs primarily affect young, premenopausal women, often with bilateral ovarian involvement. Unilateral cases (∼3-8%) typically involve the right ovary, possibly due to its more frequent ovulation, larger right paracolic gutter, and greater abdominal fluid drainage. Immunohistochemistry is essential for distinguishing primary from metastatic tumors. We report a case of a postmenopausal woman presenting with a unilateral ovarian mass consistent with a KT of colonic origin. Case Description/Methods: A 72-year-old woman with no prior gynecologic or GI history presented with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and distension, anorexia, and a 30 lb weight loss over 2 months. She denied vaginal or rectal bleeding, tobacco use, or a family history of cancer. She had never undergone a colonoscopy. Labs showed elevated CA 19-9 (282) and CA-125 (991), and CEA within normal limits. Physical exam revealed abdominal distension with a fluid wave, but no palpable masses. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a complex cystic 8 cm right adnexal mass and large-volume ascites. Paracentesis yielded 6.7 L of dark brown fluid; cytology was negative and SAAG suggested malignancy. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed diffuse intra-abdominal disease including a necrotic right ovarian tumor involving the peritoneum, omental fixation to the transverse colon, and a small bowel conglomerate. EGD showed no evidence of gastric malignancy. Colonoscopy was deferred due to concern for pneumoperitoneum, as further insufflation was contraindicated. Pathology of the right ovary, fallopian tube, and periadnexal tissue revealed metastatic poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with focal signet ring cells and lymphatic invasion. Tumor cells were positive for CK20 and CDX2, and negative for CA 19-9, CK7, ER, WT1, PAX8, and TTF-1, consistent with a KT of colonic origin. The patient's condition worsened, and she was discharged to hospice care. Discussion: Krukenberg tumors are rare and carry a poor prognosis, especially when synchronous. Most are bilateral and occur in premenopausal women. This case highlights an unusual presentation in a postmenopausal woman with a unilateral ovarian tumor of colonic origin. Early recognition and diagnosis of KTs are crucial due to their aggressive course.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Published
2025-10-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14309/01.ajg.0001142792.47466.3f
Primary Topic
Genetic factors in colorectal cancer
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

S3833 An Atypical Presentation of a Unilateral Krukenberg Tumor of Colonic Origin in a Postmenopausal Woman

Solomon Lerer, Deannys Batista
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Genetic factors in colorectal cancer
article

S3833 An Atypical Presentation of a Unilateral Krukenberg Tumor of Colonic Origin in a Postmenopausal Woman

Solomon Lerer, Deannys Batista
article en

Abstract

Introduction: Krukenberg tumors (KTs) are metastatic ovarian tumors characterized by mucus-filled signet ring cells and stromal involvement. While they usually arise from gastric carcinoma, they can also originate from other mucinous tumors, including colorectal cancer (11% of cases). KTs primarily affect young, premenopausal women, often with bilateral ovarian involvement. Unilateral cases (∼3-8%) typically involve the right ovary, possibly due to its more frequent ovulation, larger right paracolic gutter, and greater abdominal fluid drainage. Immunohistochemistry is essential for distinguishing primary from metastatic tumors. We report a case of a postmenopausal woman presenting with a unilateral ovarian mass consistent with a KT of colonic origin. Case Description/Methods: A 72-year-old woman with no prior gynecologic or GI history presented with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and distension, anorexia, and a 30 lb weight loss over 2 months. She denied vaginal or rectal bleeding, tobacco use, or a family history of cancer. She had never undergone a colonoscopy. Labs showed elevated CA 19-9 (282) and CA-125 (991), and CEA within normal limits. Physical exam revealed abdominal distension with a fluid wave, but no palpable masses. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a complex cystic 8 cm right adnexal mass and large-volume ascites. Paracentesis yielded 6.7 L of dark brown fluid; cytology was negative and SAAG suggested malignancy. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed diffuse intra-abdominal disease including a necrotic right ovarian tumor involving the peritoneum, omental fixation to the transverse colon, and a small bowel conglomerate. EGD showed no evidence of gastric malignancy. Colonoscopy was deferred due to concern for pneumoperitoneum, as further insufflation was contraindicated. Pathology of the right ovary, fallopian tube, and periadnexal tissue revealed metastatic poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with focal signet ring cells and lymphatic invasion. Tumor cells were positive for CK20 and CDX2, and negative for CA 19-9, CK7, ER, WT1, PAX8, and TTF-1, consistent with a KT of colonic origin. The patient's condition worsened, and she was discharged to hospice care. Discussion: Krukenberg tumors are rare and carry a poor prognosis, especially when synchronous. Most are bilateral and occur in premenopausal women. This case highlights an unusual presentation in a postmenopausal woman with a unilateral ovarian tumor of colonic origin. Early recognition and diagnosis of KTs are crucial due to their aggressive course.

The American Journal of GastroenterologyVol. 120(10S2)
Openalex Percentile: Top 57%
Genetic factors in colorectal cancer
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.