Torsion of an ovarian dermoid on childhood mimicking acute appendicitis

ABSTRACT

The radiological features of an ovarian dermoid undergoing torsion are described in a 9-year-old child presenting with an acute abdomen. It is postulated that in the absence of any specific radiological signs of torsion, serial plain film radiology may be more sensitive in predicting this complication than ultrasonography. Cyst enlargement and the transabdominal migration of dental elements are specific features on plain film which should increase suspicion even when features of torsion may be absent on ultrasonography. (AU)