Introduction

A possible cause for acute abdomen is haemoperitoneum resulting from the rupture of an ovarian tumour. Here we discuss a case of spontaneous haemoperitoneum caused by granulosa cell tumour (GCT) rupture in a postmenopausal woman.

Material and methods

We present a systematic review of the current literature to draw attention to this rare gynaecological complication and provide guidance about the most appropriate management.

Results

Eight case reports and one retrospective study were identified. A total of 11 patients were analysed in this review including the present case report. The first case was described in 1948, while the last one was in 2019. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years. All cases were treated with primary surgery. The mean diameter of the masses was 10.1 cm.

Discussion

We found endometrial pathology in 45% of the cases, of which 4 (36%) were associated with postmenopausal bleeding. The presentation of GCT is not always in the form of overt endocrine disturbance but can onset (10–15%) with acute abdomen.

Conclusions

Granulosa cell tumour should remain in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with acute abdomen and imaging suspicious for gynaecological malignancy originating from the ovary.