Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube. A case report.
BACKGROUND
While torsion of the adnexa is relatively common, isolated torsion of the fallopian tube alone remains a rare occurrence. Diagnosis and surgical intervention are often delayed.


METHODS
A 38-year-old woman presented with acute lower right abdominal pain initially managed as renal colic. She returned to the emergency department three days later. After surgical consultation, a computed tomography scan and ultrasound showed a cystic pelvic mass with normal ovarian flow studies. Ultimately, the gynecology team performed laparoscopy with the suspicion of intermittent adnexal torsion. A 6 x 8-cm, twisted, dusky purple right fallopian tube was noted. A laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the differential diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain, isolated torsion of the fallopian tube should be considered. A timely diagnosis and surgical intervention may allow preservation of the tube. Even when irreversible damage has occurred, laparoscopic management is recommended.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford Health Services, CA 94305, USA.
A
A
Milki
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DH
Jacobson
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D009336:Necrosis; D013997:Time Factors; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery