Abdominal twists and turns: part 2, solid visceral torsions with pathologic correlation.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Abdominal Imaging
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Solid abdominal viscera are anchored by suspensory ligaments.
• Laxity or maldevelopment of these ligaments can cause hypermobility and torsion.
• Torsion leads to ischemic pathology, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the imaging spectrum of solid visceral intraabdominal torsions.
• To correlate radiologic findings with pathologic conditions.
• To discuss therapeutic implications of these torsions.

Main Methods:

• Review of cross-sectional imaging studies.
• Analysis of radiologic-pathologic correlations.
• Inclusion of unusual cases of solid organ and abdominal fat torsion.

Main Results:

• Clinical symptoms of solid visceral intraabdominal torsion are nonspecific.
• Diagnosis is often reliant on radiologic interpretation.
• Imaging findings are crucial for identifying torsion and guiding treatment.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists are essential in diagnosing solid visceral intraabdominal torsion via cross-sectional imaging.
• Understanding predisposing factors and imaging findings aids timely intervention.
• Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing these life-threatening conditions.