Theca-lutein cysts of the ovaries in the third trimester of pregnancy: a case report

Lebedeva N.V., Guseva O.I., Katkova N.Yu., Morozova Yu.V.

Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare condition characterized by ovarian enlargement due to multiple theca-lutein cysts and likely associated with elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels or an abnormal ovarian response to hCG [1]. Hyperreactio luteinalis is most often seen in conditions with elevated hCG levels, such as trophoblastic disease, multiple pregnancy, or nonimmune hydrops fetalis, but can also occur in normal singleton pregnancies [2]. This article presents a clinical case of large theca-lutein cysts that developed in the third trimester of pregnancy with a favorable outcome. During follow-up until delivery at 37-38 weeks, a progressive increase in the size of the ovarian cysts was noted. A partial resection of both ovaries was performed during a cesarean section. The postoperative period was uneventful, and a follow-up ultrasound two months later revealed complete regression of the theca-lutein cysts.

For citations: Lebedeva N.V., Guseva O.I., Katkova N.Yu., Morozova Yu.V. Theca-lutein cysts of the ovaries in the third trimester of pregnancy: a case report. Pharmateca. 2026;33(4):210-214. (In Russ.). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2026.4.210-214

Authors’ contribution: The authors contributed equally to all stages of the study and preparation of the article.
Conflicts of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The study was conducted without any sponsorship.
Patient Consent for Publication: Written, voluntary informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of photographs, examination results, and treatment results

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About the Authors

Natalia V. Lebedeva, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; natali.lebedeva.72@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8834-3019 (corresponding author)
Olga I. Guseva, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; alise52@yandex.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1241-7076, Scopus Author ID: 57033926700
Yulia V. Morozova, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; juliamorozova@list.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8850-5684, eLibrary SPIN: 4490-5591
Nadezhda Yu. Katkova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; katkova_nu@inbox.ru