J Korean Radiol Soc.  1997 Mar;36(3):503-508.

Whirling Sign: An Imaging Finding Indicating Ovarian Torsion

• Cha JG
• Kim YH
• Kim HJ
• Chang YJ
• Kim YT
• Cho WS
• Bae WK
• Kim IY

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.

Keyword

Ovary, torsion; Ovary, CT; Ovary, MR; Ovary, MR; Ovary, US

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Diagnosis
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging