A palpable mass in lower abdomen of a neonate or an infant can be most frequently considered as an inguinal hernia, whereas pediatric adnexal torsion is less commonly considered in differential diagnosis but can occur. Pediatric adnexal torsion may be difficult to diagnose clinically but the immediate diagnosis may lead to more frequent salvage of affected adnexa. Sonography is the preferred imaging study. It usually confirms a pelvic mass but may not establish the diagnosis. The correct diagnosis of adnexal torsion is often made at exploration. Therapy for adnexal torsion remains controversial. While extirpation has been the standard of treatment in the past, there are current proponents of conservative therapy with adnexal preservation.
Abdomen ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hernia, Inguinal ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn