Objective To explore the value of multislice spiral CT (MSCT) in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion in children.

Methods The clinical and imaging data of 30 female children with ovarian torsion confirmed by postoperative immunohistochemistry in Tianjin Children's Hospital from January 2014 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The children's age ranged from 2 years to 12 years, with a median age of 9.3 years. All children were examined via abdominal MSCT before operation to observe the size, shape, density, and abnormal changes in uterine appendages after ovarian torsion. Immunohistochemical examination was performed after operation.

Results Among the 30 cases, ovarian torsion occurred on the right side in 22 cases (73.3%, 22/30) and on the left side in 8 cases (26.7%, 8/30). Nine cases (30.0%, 9/30) were confirmed as having simple ovarian torsion, and 21 cases (70.0%, 21/30) were complicated with space-occupying lesions. The MCST results showed that 27 cases (90.0%, 27/30) of the affected ovaries had different degrees of enlargement with increased density, 8 cases (26.7%, 8/30) had calcification, and 13 cases (43.3%, 13/30) showed enlarged follicles with honeycomb changes around the ovaries. Meanwhile, 12 cases (40.0%, 12/30) showed blurred peripheral fat space, 20 cases (66.7%, 20/30) had different degrees of uterine displacement to the affected ovary, and 23 cases (76.7%, 23/30) had a small amount of accumulated pelvic fluid.

Conclusions MSCT can be used as an important auxiliary diagnostic tool for ovarian torsion in children. It can help improve the detection rate of ovarian torsion and provide a reference for clinical treatment.