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. CASE: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.