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The American Journal of Emergency... Jun 2022Ovarian torsion is a rare, frequently misdiagnosed condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ovarian torsion is a rare, frequently misdiagnosed condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity.
OBJECTIVE
This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of ovarian torsion, including presentation, evaluation, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.
DISCUSSION
Ovarian torsion is one of the most common gynecological surgical emergencies and occurs with complete or partial rotation of the ovary along the supporting ligaments, obstructing vascular flow. Several risk factors include the presence of an ovarian mass or cyst. The most common population affected includes reproductive aged women, though cases also occur in premenarchal females, pregnant women, and postmenopausal women. Abdominal or pelvic pain is common but is not always sudden in onset or severe. Nausea and vomiting occur in 70%. Ultrasound can assist with diagnosis, but a normal ultrasound examination cannot exclude the diagnosis. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast can assist with diagnosis. Treatment includes emergent gynecologic consultation for surgical detorsion, along with symptomatic therapy in the ED.
CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of ovarian torsion can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this disease.
Topics: Adnexal Diseases; Adult; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Ovarian Diseases; Ovarian Torsion; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Torsion Abnormality
PubMed: 35397355
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.03.046 -
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North... Nov 2021Abdominal pain is a common reason for emergency department visits, with many patients not receiving a definitive diagnosis for their symptoms. Non-gastrointestinal... (Review)
Review
Abdominal pain is a common reason for emergency department visits, with many patients not receiving a definitive diagnosis for their symptoms. Non-gastrointestinal causes need to be considered in the workup of abdominal pain. A high index of suspicion is needed in order to develop a broad differential, and a thorough history and physical examination is paramount. This article will discuss some of these diagnoses, including can't miss diagnoses, common non-abdominal causes, and rare etiologies of abdominal pain.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Adrenal Gland Diseases; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Angioedemas, Hereditary; Aortic Diseases; COVID-19; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Herpes Zoster; Humans; IgA Vasculitis; Lead Poisoning; Migraine Disorders; Ovarian Torsion; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Pneumonia; Porphyria, Acute Intermittent; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Pulmonary Embolism; Thyrotoxicosis; Uremia
PubMed: 34600641
DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.003 -
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North... Nov 2021Abdominal pain is the most common chief complaint in the Emergency Department. Abdominal pain is caused by a variety of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal... (Review)
Review
Abdominal pain is the most common chief complaint in the Emergency Department. Abdominal pain is caused by a variety of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal disorders. Some frequently missed conditions include biliary pathology, appendicitis, diverticulitis, and urogenital pathology. The Emergency Medicine clinician must consider all aspects of the patient's presentation including history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging. If no diagnosis is identified, close reassessment of pain, vital signs, and physical examination are necessary to ensure safe discharge. Strict verbal and written return precautions should be provided to the patient.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Appendicitis; Cholecystitis; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Ischemia; Missed Diagnosis; Neoplasms; Nephrolithiasis; Ovarian Torsion; Patient Discharge; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Spermatic Cord Torsion; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 34600632
DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.005 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Dec 2020To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of adnexal torsion.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of adnexal torsion.
METHODS
This was a retrospective study. From the operative records of the eight participating gynecological ultrasound centers, we identified patients with a surgically confirmed diagnosis of adnexal torsion, defined as surgical evidence of ovarian pedicle, paraovarian cyst and/or Fallopian tube twisted on its own axis, who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced examiner, between 2008 and 2018. Only cases with at least two available ultrasound images and/or videoclips (one grayscale and one with Doppler evaluation) were included. Clinical, ultrasound, surgical and histological information was retrieved from each patient's medical record and entered into an Excel file by the principal investigator at each center. In addition, two authors reviewed all available ultrasound images and videoclips of the twisted adnexa, with regard to the presence of four predefined ultrasound features reported to be characteristic of adnexal torsion: (1) ovarian stromal edema with or without peripherally displaced antral follicles, (2) the follicular ring sign, (3) the whirlpool sign and (4) absence of vascularization in the twisted organ.
RESULTS
A total of 315 cases of adnexal torsion were identified. The median age of the patients was 30 (range, 1-88) years. Most patients were premenopausal (284/314; 90.4%) and presented with acute or subacute pelvic pain (305/315; 96.8%). The surgical approach was laparoscopic in 239/312 (76.6%) patients and conservative surgery (untwisting with or without excision of a lesion) was performed in 149/315 (47.3%) cases. According to the original ultrasound reports, the median largest diameter of the twisted organ was 83 (range, 30-349) mm. Free fluid in the pouch of Douglas was detected in 196/275 (71.3%) patients. Ovarian stromal edema with or without peripherally displaced antral follicles was reported in the original ultrasound report in 167/241 (69.3%) patients, the whirlpool sign in 178/226 (78.8%) patients, absent color Doppler signals in the twisted organ in 119/269 (44.2%) patients and the follicular ring sign in 51/134 (38.1%) patients. On retrospective review of images and videoclips, ovarian stromal edema with or without peripherally displaced antral follicles (201/254; 79.1%) and the whirlpool sign (139/153; 90.8%) were the most commonly detected features of adnexal torsion.
CONCLUSION
Most patients with surgically confirmed adnexal torsion are of reproductive age and present with acute or subacute pain. Common ultrasound signs are an enlarged adnexa, the whirlpool sign, ovarian stromal edema with or without peripherally displaced antral follicles and free fluid in the pelvis. The follicular ring sign and absence of Doppler signals in the twisted organ are slightly less common signs. Recognizing ultrasound signs of adnexal torsion is important so that the correct treatment, i.e. surgery without delay, can be offered. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Adnexa Uteri; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Ovarian Torsion; Pelvic Pain; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus
PubMed: 31975482
DOI: 10.1002/uog.21981 -
Pediatric Annals Apr 2020Adnexal masses in adolescents, such as functional cysts, are often benign and can usually be managed expectantly since they typically regress on their own. The most... (Review)
Review
Adnexal masses in adolescents, such as functional cysts, are often benign and can usually be managed expectantly since they typically regress on their own. The most common ovarian neoplasm in adolescents is a benign cystic teratoma. Both functional cysts and benign cystic teratomas are associated with ovarian torsion. Of concern, ovarian torsion requires a high level of suspicion when adolescents present with acute abdominal pain, as almost one-half of cases have no associated adnexal masses. The most common malignant adnexal masses in this age group include germ cell tumors, followed by epithelial cell tumors. Finally, ectopic pregnancy and tubo-ovarian abscesses must be considered in the differential diagnosis of adnexal mass, as delays in treatment may seriously affect an adolescent's health and future fertility. Obtaining an accurate history, including a sexual history, requires reviewing this history with the adolescent privately. Management of adnexal mases should prioritize fertility preservation. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(4):e183-e187.].
Topics: Adnexal Diseases; Adolescent; Cysts; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 32275763
DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20200227-01 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of... Sep 2022Diagnosis of gynecologic emergencies in the pediatric and adolescent population requires a high index of suspicion to avoid delayed or incorrect diagnoses. This article... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis of gynecologic emergencies in the pediatric and adolescent population requires a high index of suspicion to avoid delayed or incorrect diagnoses. This article aims to dispel common misunderstandings and aid with diagnosis and management of 3 common pediatric and adolescent gynecologic emergencies: adnexal torsion, vulvovaginal lacerations, and nonsexually acquired genital ulcers.
Topics: Adnexal Diseases; Adolescent; Child; Emergencies; Female; Humans; Torsion Abnormality; Ulcer
PubMed: 36122983
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2022.02.017 -
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North... Nov 2019The emergency medicine provider sees a broad range of pathology involving the female genitourinary system on a daily basis. Must-not-miss diagnoses include pelvic... (Review)
Review
The emergency medicine provider sees a broad range of pathology involving the female genitourinary system on a daily basis. Must-not-miss diagnoses include pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian torsion, because these diagnoses can have severe complications and affect future fertility. Although most patients with abnormal uterine bleeding are hemodynamically stable, it can present as a life-threatening emergency and providers should be adept managing severe hemorrhage. Bartholin gland cysts are common complaints that often require procedural intervention. This article discusses these diagnoses and appropriate evaluation and management in the emergency department.
Topics: Emergencies; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Humans; Urologic Diseases
PubMed: 31563207
DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2019.07.012