Introduction: To evaluate if torsion of an otherwise healthy ovary (THO) has a different prognosis than torsion with an underlying ovarian mass (TUOM) in children.
Material and methods: Children with an ovarian torsion who were treated in our department from 1997 to 2016 were studied retrospectively. Patients with prenatal ovarian torsion and isolated oviduct torsion were excluded. Trophicity of the ovary was assessed by ultrasonography at the end of follow-up.
Results: Fifty-four girls were included. Twenty-seven presented a TUOM; the others had a THO. Beside the deleterious effect of late surgical management, another prognostic factor was identified. THO was more prone to an ovarian hypotrophy or atrophy than TUOM (n = 20 vs n = 5, p < 0.01). This was confirmed by logistic regression analysis (OR = 5.08, p = 0.01). To explain this finding, we further compared TUOM and THO. The diagnosis of TUOM was more frequently suspected on US at the first visit (p = 0.005). TUOM also occurred more often after puberty (>12 years, 52.9% vs 11.1%, p < 0.001) than THO.
Conclusion: THO is more frequently associated with an ovarian atrophy or hypotrophy than TUOM. A less obvious diagnosis at US and the early occurrence of THO before puberty with a less favorable hormonal climate may explain this finding.
Level of evidence: III.
Keywords: Diagnosis; Ovarian cyst; Ovarian torsion; Prognosis; Puberty.
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