title: Imaging of common solid organ and bowel torsion in the emergency department.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article will discuss the most common forms of torsion encountered in the emergency department.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Torsion refers to the twisting of an object about its axis and represents the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying an important group of disorders affecting both the bowel and the solid organs of the abdomen and pelvis. Although these disorders typically present with the acute onset of pain, clinical findings are often nonspecific, with imaging playing a key role in diagnosis. Missed or delayed diagnosis may result in complications, such as ischemia; end-organ loss; and, in some cases, death. Therefore, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology and imaging findings of these entities to avoid the morbidity and mortality associated with a missed or delayed diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St, Rm HX316, Lexington, KY 40536-2410.
authors.forename: Andres R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ayoob
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013086:Spermatic Cord Torsion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
keywords: bowel; ovary; testicle; torsion; volvulus