CT features for diagnosing acute torsion of uterine subserosal leiomyoma

To evaluate the usefulness of computed tomographic (CT) features for identifying acute torsion of uterine subserosal leiomyoma (USL).

We analyzed contrast-enhanced CT examinations of 7 USLs with torsion and 44 USLs without torsion. Two radiologists evaluated the CT features, which consisted of poor contrast enhancement inside the USL, thin rim enhancement around the USL, calcification within the USL, a beak sign between the uterus and USL, fan-shaped poor contrast enhancement in the uterus area adjacent to the USL (dark fan sign), and ascites. We analyzed the frequencies of these CT features in the USLs with versus without torsion using Fisher's exact test.

The respective frequencies of CT features in USLs with and without torsion were as follows: poor contrast enhancement, 86 and 5% (P = 0.001); thin rim enhancement, 71 and 9% (P = 0.001); calcification, 29 and 18% (P = 0.61); beak sign, 57 and 86% (P = 0.10); dark fan sign, 57 and 0% (P = 0.001); and ascites, 100 and 20% (P = 0.01).

The CT features of poor contrast enhancement, thin rim enhancement, and dark fan sign are valuable for identifying acute torsion of USL.