Neonatal ovarian torsion: report of three cases and review of the literature

Pediatr Pathol. 1988;8(2):143-9. doi: 10.3109/15513818809022291.

Abstract

Ovarian cysts are common incidental findings in term infants and, if unusually large, may result in dystocia, torsion, or rupture. Torsion and infarction of a normal ovary tend to occur in older childhood. During a 4-month period, 3 cases of neonatal ovarian torsion were observed after antenatal ultrasonography had detected fetal pelvico-abdominal cystic lesions. The three infants were explored between 4 and 16 days of age. Ovarian torsion was right-sided in all 3, and 1 ovary had been autoamputated. The resected specimens were nontense, thin-walled cysts, filled with hemorrhagic fluid, that measured between 4.5 and 8 cm in diameter. Microscopically, focal calcification and widespread necrosis precluded recognition of underlying histologic landmarks. Neonatal ovarian cysts or cystic ovaries greater than 4 cm in diameter should be excised, even if asymptomatic, because they are prone to, or have undergone, torsion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Ovarian Cysts / congenital*
  • Ovarian Cysts / pathology
  • Torsion Abnormality
  • Ultrasonography