US Plays Critical Role in Diagnosing Pediatric Gonadal Torsion

Background: Gonadal torsion in males or females is an emergent situation because prompt diagnosis and management are necessary to preserve gonadal function. Objective: To describe the imaging methods and interpretation criteria to educate radiologists on how to handle various presentations of gonadal torsion. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: The authors reviewed records of pediatric patients aged Results: The most common presenting symptom of ovarian torsion was sudden lower abdominal pain, often with nausea and vomiting. Gradual or intermittent pain episodes can occur, likely due to intermittent torsion. Laboratory tests were not generally helpful. For female patients, the primary imaging approach is suprapubic pelvic ultrasonography with color Doppler, which has an estimated sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 77%. Ultrasound (US) findings of torsion include unilateral enlargement of the ovary with heterogeneous echogenicity from edema. The most common presenting symptom of more...