Ovarian torsion is an uncommon gynecological emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment. It may present with nonspecific signs and symptoms, and should be considered in any female with acute abdominal pain. The diagnosis is based on an awareness of the relevant risk factors, the clinical presentation, and a high index of suspicion. Timely investigation and management can make the difference between ovarian loss and salvage — an outcome of great importance in the population of reproductive age females.

One week after swimming in a man-made lake, a 9-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with headache, vomiting and lethargy. He had neck pain upon flexion and was unable to stand or walk. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed trophozoite and diflagellate forms consistent with Naegleria fowleri, an ameba species known to cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Despite aggressive management with amphotericin B and rifampin, he died 2 days later. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and management of this uncommon but lethal entity.