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.
Milki
A
A
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford Health Services, CA 94305, USA.
Jacobson
D H
DH
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