Whirling Sign: An Imaging Finding Indicating Ovarian Torsion.
10.3348/jkrs.1997.36.3.503
- Author:
Jang Gyu CHA
1
;
Young Hwa KIM
;
Hyun Jung KIM
;
Yu Jin CHANG
;
Young Tong KIM
;
Won Soo CHO
;
Won Kyung BAE
;
Il Young KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chunan Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Ovary, torsion;
Ovary, CT;
Ovary, MR;
Ovary, MR;
Ovary, US
- MeSH:
Abdominal Pain;
Diagnosis;
Humans;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
1997;36(3):503-508
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To present a diagnostic sign on MRI and US in patients with ovarian torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present characteristic imaging findings in eight patients with surgically-proven ovarian torsion. MRI was performed in four patients, CT in six and US in all patients; the procedures including eight transabdominal US(TAS) and three transvaginal US(TVS). In each study, imaging findings were analyzed for the appearance of twisted pedicle and the presence of a "whirling sign". RESULTS: The pedicle which indicates ovarian torsion was detected on MRI in all 4 patients, on TAS in 4/7, on TVS in 3/3, and on CT in 4/6. A specific "whirling sign" was detected on MRI in 2/4 patients, on TAS in 2/4, and on TVS in all three. On CT a "whirling sign" was not detected. CONCLUSION: The "whirling sign" on both MRI & US is a characteristic finding of ovarian torsion; in a patient with adnexal mass and complaining of lower abdominal pain, the presence of this sign is very useful for the diagnosis of ovarian torsion.