Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is a very rare condition. It occurs without ipsilateral ovarian involvement associated with pregnancy, haemosalpinx, hydrosalpinx, ovarian or paraovarian cysts and other adnexal alterations or even with an otherwise normal fallopian tube. We document a case of isolated torsion of the right fallopian tube associated with hydrosalpinx.

Case: The patient was a 39-year-old female, para 2, gravida 4, who was presented with acute pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting. Her medical history included an appendectomy and right hydrosalpinx diagnosed five months before admission by hysterosalpingography because of investigation for secondary infertility. The urinary pregnancy test was negative. Pelvic ultrasonography showed a dilated folded right tubular structure measuring 7.8 x 2.7 cm with thickened echogenic walls and mucosal folds protruding into the lumen; the ovaries and uterus were unremarkable. No free fluid in the cul-de-sac was noted. Preoperatively, a diagnosis of twisted right fallopian tube was suspected and an exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of isolated torsion of the oviduct. The ipsilateral ovary appeared normal, but the fallopian tube was gangrenous and right salpingectomy was performed. The patient became pregnant three months after surgery.

Conclusion: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute abdomen and previous medical history of hydrosalpinx.