Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsion is when an ovary (often with a cyst or mass) twists on its blood supply, cutting off blood flow and threatening the ovary's survival.
When to get help quickly: It is a surgical emergency. Sudden severe one-sided pelvic pain in a woman or girl, especially with nausea, vomiting, or a known ovarian cyst, needs immediate hospital review.
Common symptoms
Sudden, severe, one-sided lower abdominal pain, often with nausea and vomiting; pain may come and go if the ovary partially twists and untwists.
When imaging helps
Imaging confirms the twist, shows whether the ovary still has blood flow, and identifies any underlying cyst or mass driving the torsion.
What radiology does
Pelvic ultrasound with Doppler is the first test; it shows the ovary's size, blood flow, and any associated mass.
What usually happens next
Most cases need urgent surgery (often laparoscopic) to untwist the ovary and preserve it; delay risks loss of the ovary.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.