Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Ovarian Torsion in the Emergency Department: Current Insights

Abstract

Ovarian torsion is defined as twisting of the ovary around an axis consisting of its vascular pedicle, the infundibulopelvic ligament and the tubo-ovarian ligament, and can occur in females of any age. Torsion can be a result of ovarian mass causing asymmetry and subsequent torsion, or can be spontaneous. While ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency, early diagnosis and treatment can preserve ovarian viability even if necrosis is seen operatively. Presentation classically involves sudden onset severe abdominal pain and vomiting but diagnostic delay can follow subtler presentations. Diagnosis is most commonly based on sonographic findings, but advanced imaging such as CT or MRI may be required if sonography is not diagnostic. Treatment is surgical, with ovarian preservation preferred in almost all cases. In this review, I present the most recent evidence on epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of pediatric ovarian torsion, with a focus on point-of-care ultrasound for the emergency care provider.