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Fluid-debris level in follicular cysts: a pathognomonic sign of ovarian torsion

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Abstract

Background

Early diagnosis of ovarian torsion is mandatory to avoid common complications. Sonography is the imaging modality of choice, but diagnosis is still a challenge.

Objective

To report an additional sonographic feature of ovarian torsion in order to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Materials and methods

Grey-scale and colour Doppler pelvic sonography was performed in 12 patients with acute onset of intermittent lower abdominal pain and in 1 asymptomatic patient with a palpable mass in the labium majus. Patient ages ranged from 4 months to 17 years.

Results

In all patients an enlarged ovary with peripheral cysts was demonstrated. High-resolution sonography detected fluid-debris levels within these cystic structures in 11 of the 13 patients (sensitivity 85%) and provided an additional diagnostic sign. Six patients had cystic teratoma.

Conclusions

We confirm the fluid-debris level as a pathognomonic sonographic sign of ovarian torsion with or without associated teratoma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Division of Neonatology, Clinical Department of Paediatrics, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria

    Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer

  2. Clinical Division of General Paediatrics, Clinical Department of Paediatrics, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Kathrin Maurer & Ingmar Gassner

  3. Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria

    Karin M. Unsinn

Authors
  1. Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer
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  2. Kathrin Maurer
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  3. Karin M. Unsinn
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  4. Ingmar Gassner
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ingmar Gassner.

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Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, U., Maurer, K., Unsinn, K.M. et al. Fluid-debris level in follicular cysts: a pathognomonic sign of ovarian torsion. Pediatr Radiol 36, 421–425 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-005-0104-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-005-0104-z

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