Adnexal torsion in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

The incidence of adnexal torsion in childhood and adolescence is 4.9 per 100,000 girls. Torsion of the adnexa is caused by rotation of the ovary usually with the fallopian tube around the infundibulopelvic ligament. The torsion leads primarily to the interruption of both venous outflow and lymphatic drainage. It causes enlargement of the ovary due its edema with occurrence of hemorrhagic infarctions. Interruption of the arterial inflow leads finally to the necrosis of ovarian tissue. Torsion of the adnexa in childhood occurs usually in enlarged ovary, particularly by a cyst, or when the non-enlarged ovary is excessively mobile due to the extended infundibulopelvic ligament. The characteristic clinical symptoms of adnexal torsion are sudden pain in the lower abdomen with nausea and vomiting. The diagnosis of adnexal torsion is based on the typical symptoms, clinical course, and the results of physical and ultrasound examinations. Torsion of the adnexa should be considered in every girl with sudden abdominal pain. To preserve reproductive functions, an early surgery with detorsion of the adnexa should be performed. Key words: adnexal torsion – ovarian torsion – acute abnominal pain – laparoscopy – puberty