Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Glick Y, Patel M, Iqbal S, et al. Whirlpool sign (testicular torsion). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 27 Jan 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-73314
The whirlpool sign of the spermatic cord is a direct sign of testicular torsion, both complete and incomplete (i.e. <360°). It is considered to be the most specific and sensitive sign for testicular torsion.
Terminology
The term whirlpool sign is used in other contexts: see whirlpool sign (disambiguation).
Radiographic features
A spiral twist demonstrated in the course of the spermatic cord on greyscale ultrasound, either in the external inguinal ring or in the scrotal sac.
See references 1 and 5 for demonstrative videos.
- 1. Anjum N. Bandarkar, Anna R. Blask. Testicular torsion with preserved flow: key sonographic features and value-added approach to diagnosis. (2018) Pediatric Radiology. 48 (5): 735. doi:10.1007/s00247-018-4093-0 - Pubmed
- 2. Jared McDowall, Ahmed Adam, Louis Gerber, Callistus O. A. Enyuma, Sunday J. Aigbodion, Sean Buchanan, Abdullah E. Laher. The ultrasonographic “whirlpool sign” in testicular torsion: valuable tool or waste of valuable time? A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2018) Emergency Radiology. 25 (3): 281. doi:10.1007/s10140-018-1579-x - Pubmed
- 3. Francesco Esposito, Marco Di Serafino, Carmela Mercogliano, Valerio Vitale, Paolo Sgambati, Gianfranco Vallone. The “whirlpool sign”, a US finding in partial torsion of the spermatic cord: 4 cases. (2014) Journal of Ultrasound. 17 (4): 313. doi:10.1007/s40477-014-0095-4 - Pubmed
- 4. Nayana U. Patel, Julia A. Drose, Paul Russ. Partial Testicular Torsion and Torsion-Detorsion Syndrome:. (2013) Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. doi:10.1177/8756479313503212
- 5. F. Esposito F, Sgambati P, Di Serafino M, Noviello D, Vallone G, Gaglione G, Tramontano A. Whirlpool sign of testis, a sonographic sign of incomplete torsion. ECR 2011 poster no. C-0965.
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