Ovarian torsion - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Ovarian torsion (or adnexal torsion) is a twisting of the ovary (and/or fallopian tube) on its vascular and ligamentous supports, blocking adequate blood flow to the ovary.
Rapid diagnosis and intervention are necessary to preserve ovarian function.
Most often seen in women of reproductive age between 20 and 40 years; can occur during pregnancy. Also seen in infants, children, adolescents, and postmenopausal women.
Commonly presents with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and an abdominal mass. High clinical suspicion is necessary. Clinical presentation is nonspecific, with no absolute clinical profile.
Transvaginal ultrasound with Doppler flow studies may show an enlarged ovary with absence of blood flow.

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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Adnexal torsion in adolescents: ACOG committee opinion no, 783. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Aug;134(2):e56-63.[Abstract][Full Text]
American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: acute pelvic pain in the reproductive age group. 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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