HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bowling, C. B. Articles by Lipscomb, G. H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Bowling, C. B. Articles by Lipscomb, G. H.

Torsion of the Appendix Mimicking Ovarian Torsion

From the ¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal torsion is rare and generally seen more frequently in children than adults. Untreated it can lead to necrosis, ulceration, and subsequent peritonitis.

CASE: A middle-aged female presented with a 5-day history of cramping abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting. Abdominal wall guarding and rebound tenderness was noted on examination. Computerized tomography showed an 8 x 4 cm mass anterior to the uterus, suggestive of degenerating fibroid versus ovarian dermoid cyst. Laparoscopy was performed for presumed ovarian torsion. Torsion of the appendix was discovered and treated by laparoscopic appendectomy.

CONCLUSION: Patients with presumed ovarian torsion should undergo urgent laparoscopy for diagnosis and attempted ovarian salvage. The possibility of conditions that may require different surgical interventions, such as appendiceal torsion, should be considered.