Related Experiment Videos
Diagnosing ovarian torsion with computed tomography. A case report
W D Schlaff1, K J Lund, K A McAleese
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA. schlaff@binar.uhcolorado.edu
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|October 20, 1998
Summary
Diagnosing ovarian torsion is challenging. A specific computed tomography (CT) finding—a central hypodense lesion surrounded by thickened ovarian cortex—may improve early detection of this critical gynecologic emergency.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic imaging
- Diagnostic radiology
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Adnexal torsion diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms and limitations of imaging modalities.
- Delayed intervention for ovarian torsion can result in irreversible adnexal damage and loss.
- Computed tomography (CT) may offer a specific finding to increase diagnostic suspicion.
Observation:
- A case of a 21-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain and a retrouterine mass is described.
- Ultrasound provided an inconclusive diagnosis.
- CT revealed a central hypodense area (consistent with fat) surrounded by an intermediate-density shell.
Findings:
- Laparotomy confirmed left adnexal necrosis due to torsion.
- The adnexal mass was identified as a dermoid cyst with an overlying edematous ovarian cortex.
- The CT finding represents a thickened ovarian cortex surrounding a central dermoid cyst.
Implications:
- The described CT finding can aid in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.
- Early identification of ovarian torsion is crucial to prevent adnexal damage.
- This imaging characteristic may improve diagnostic accuracy in cases of suspected ovarian torsion.