Objective: Ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration is a potential treatment for acute adnexal torsion that can be performed in the outpatient setting, offering an alternative to emergency laparoscopic surgery. The objective of this study was to describe our initial experience with aspiration of acutely torted adnexal cysts.
Methods: This was a retrospective single-center study, in which we identified all patients who underwent ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration in our center between February 2008 and September 2023. Indications for the procedure were ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal torsion due to an ovarian cyst and clinical symptoms of acute adnexal torsion. Success was defined as the avoidance of emergency surgery for adnexal torsion related to the same cyst. We extracted clinical data, ultrasound scan findings, procedural details and clinical outcomes from our clinical database.
Results: Overall, 46 patients underwent ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration for the management of adnexal torsion, 24 (52%) of whom were pregnant. At ultrasound examination, all 46 cysts had unilocular morphology, and in 96% (44/46) of cases, the cyst content was anechoic. Cyst aspiration was performed transabdominally in 30 (65%) patients and transvaginally in 16 (35%) patients. A total of 39 (85%) patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms immediately after ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration. One procedure was abandoned owing to patient discomfort and six (13%) patients reported non-resolution or short-term recurrence of symptoms, necessitating emergency laparoscopy in seven patients. No complications occurred as a result of ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration. Three patients had cyst aspiration more than once. Follow-up data were available for 29/39 (74%) patients who had successful ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration and received a subsequent ultrasound assessment in our clinic. In 8/29 (28%) patients, the cyst had completely resolved. In total, 4/21 (19%) patients with a persistent cyst opted for elective surgical intervention, while 17/21 (81%) continued conservative management at the last follow-up. Overall, 25/29 (86%) of those followed up after successful ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration, and at least 25/46 (54%) of all patients, avoided any form of surgical treatment.
Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration is an effective treatment for the management of acute adnexal torsion due to a cyst with unilocular morphology and anechoic or hypoechoic fluid content. With the use of this technique, emergency hospital admission and surgery were avoided in the majority of patients. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Objective: To use the Delphi method to gain insight into approaches to prenatal diagnosis and management of preterm birth (PTB) in twin pregnancies, including complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and a short and/or dilated cervix.
Methods: A three-round Delphi process was conducted among an international panel of experts to assess their approach to prevention, monitoring and management strategies for PTB in twin pregnancies. Experts were selected based on their publication record or membership of related organizations. Response options were multiple-choice answers or a five-point Likert scale. A priori, a cut-off of ≥ 70% agreement was used to define consensus.
Results: A total of 117 experts participated in the first round, of whom 94/117 (80.3%) completed all subsequent rounds. Representatives came from at least 22 countries (across five continents), most commonly the USA (50.4%) and the UK (12.0%). Over 70% of experts performed routine screening of cervical length (CL) using transvaginal ultrasound at 18-23 weeks' gestation, using CL ≤ 25 mm to diagnose short cervix in twin pregnancies, regardless of a history of PTB. In twin pregnancies with a short non-dilated cervix, most experts offered vaginal progesterone rather than pessary or cervical cerclage, regardless of a history of PTB. In twin pregnancies with asymptomatic dilated cervix, consensus was reached (88.3% agreement) for placement of cervical cerclage, performed up to 24 weeks' gestation (67.5% agreement; no consensus). Similarly, 96.1% of experts agreed that performing serial transvaginal ultrasound measurements of CL at 16-24 weeks' gestation was warranted in women with a current singleton pregnancy who had a previous twin pregnancy that required physical examination-indicated cerclage; these patients should be considered high risk for PTB (83.1% agreement). In twin pregnancies with TTTS, laser surgery is offered by most experts, regardless of preoperative CL. In patients with TTTS and short CL, most experts would recommend cervical cerclage (71.9%) or vaginal progesterone (65.6%) rather than pessary or expectant management. However, no consensus was reached on measures to prevent PTB in cases of TTTS with cervical dilation.
Conclusions: This Delphi consensus study highlights practice variations among healthcare providers worldwide in the evaluation and management of PTB in twin pregnancies, which often differ from recommendations given by national and international societies. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

