Pathophysiology and Surgical Management of Dermoid-Induced Adnexal Torsion
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Myka Bussey-Campbell
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Waters College of Health Professions
Department
Clinical Sciences
Abstract
Ovarian torsion is a time-sensitive gynecological emergency characterized by the rotation of the adnexa around its vascular pedicle. While ultrasound remains the diagnostic gold standard, clinical outcomes are heavily dependent on the "torsion-to-intervention" interval. The most common etiology of ovarian torsion is ovarian enlargement accompanied by a mass or cyst. This case involves a 40-year-old female with the complaint of acute onset of severe pelvic pain and a known ovarian cyst. Diagnostic imaging confirmed a 15cm complex cyst on the right ovary with absent blood flow. The post-operative findings were termed to be right-sided dermoid with tubo-ovarian torsion and presumed necrosis. The dermoid cyst contained large amounts of fatty fluid and hair. Extensive adnexal rotation was caused by the cyst’s 15cm diameter and complex internal components, leading to an accelerated onset of tissue non-viability. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt surgical triage are the only definitive factors in achieving ovarian salvage and preserving future reproductive health.
Keywords: ovarian torsion, dermoid cyst, adnexal rotation, necrosis, vascular pedicle
Program Description
.
Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Ayers, Anna Ms., "Pathophysiology and Surgical Management of Dermoid-Induced Adnexal Torsion" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 84.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/84
Pathophysiology and Surgical Management of Dermoid-Induced Adnexal Torsion
Savannah Ballroom
Ovarian torsion is a time-sensitive gynecological emergency characterized by the rotation of the adnexa around its vascular pedicle. While ultrasound remains the diagnostic gold standard, clinical outcomes are heavily dependent on the "torsion-to-intervention" interval. The most common etiology of ovarian torsion is ovarian enlargement accompanied by a mass or cyst. This case involves a 40-year-old female with the complaint of acute onset of severe pelvic pain and a known ovarian cyst. Diagnostic imaging confirmed a 15cm complex cyst on the right ovary with absent blood flow. The post-operative findings were termed to be right-sided dermoid with tubo-ovarian torsion and presumed necrosis. The dermoid cyst contained large amounts of fatty fluid and hair. Extensive adnexal rotation was caused by the cyst’s 15cm diameter and complex internal components, leading to an accelerated onset of tissue non-viability. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt surgical triage are the only definitive factors in achieving ovarian salvage and preserving future reproductive health.
Keywords: ovarian torsion, dermoid cyst, adnexal rotation, necrosis, vascular pedicle