An unusually large ovarian cyst complicated by malignant malaria and ancylostomiasis

Abstract

1. 1. A Siamese woman, less than five feet in height and weighing 148 lbs., was relieved of an ovarian cyst weighing 80 lbs., more than half of the total weight. The tumor was adherent to visceral and parietal peritoneum by almost its entire surface of 2.8 square feet. 2. 2. This woman had severe chronic malignant malaria with one very sudden and severe acute attack three weeks after coming to the hospital. 3. 3. She also had a heavy infestation with both ancylostoma and ascaris, both of which failed to yield to treatment until after the tumor had been removed. 4. 4. Malaria and hookworm had caused anemia with a red blood count 40 per cent below the Siamese normal. Prolonged treatment before operation raised the blood count to nearly normal. The operation caused a drop of about 30 per cent, a drop which would undoubtedly have proved fatal without the preliminary treatment, but now was of no serious consequence. 5. 5. There was a low fever for prolonged periods both before and after operation, which failed to respond to quinine. This was promptly relieved, before operation by relief of pressure, and after operation by relief of worry and homesickness. 6. 6. Two years after leaving hospital patient was living and well.