Novel serum inflammatory markers in patients with adnexal mass who had surgery for ovarian torsion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of preoperative levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and E-selectin in patients with an adnexal mass who had surgery for ovarian torsion.

DESIGN: Prospective study.

SETTING: University hospital.

PATIENT(S): Fifty consecutive women with adnexal mass who were admitted with a diagnosis of ovarian torsion.

INTERVENTION(S): All had a single preoperative measurement of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and E-selectin by ELISA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): To determine if a single preoperative serum sampling of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and E-selectin by ELISA can diagnose ovarian torsion.

RESULT(S): Thirteen patients had proven torsion of the ovary. Serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in the 13 patients with proven ovarian torsion compared with the 37 without ovarian torsion. Patients with IL-6 serum values > or =10.2 pg/mL had a 16 times higher risk of having ovarian torsion. No significant difference was found in TNF-alpha, IL-8, and E-selectin between the two groups.

CONCLUSION(S): The IL-6 levels might assist in the prompt diagnosis of ovarian torsion and allow a timely surgical intervention.