Isolated fallopian tube torsion in pediatric age: An Italian multicenter retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the experience of five Italian centers on the diagnosis and management of isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) in children.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 20 patients aged 1-16 years of age with surgically diagnosed IFTT between 1991 and 2017 from five Italian centers of pediatric surgery. We analyzed common presenting signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings, as well as surgical interventions to describe management offering further insight into the diagnosis and treatment of this rare entity.

Results: Twenty cases of IFTT were collected. Median age was 13.1 years. Menarche was present in 14 cases. A clinical history of abdominal pain was present in 13 patients, whereas in 7 patients the clinical picture was an acute abdomen. Ultrasonography was the first diagnostic examination in 16 cases. Surgical approach was by laparoscopy in 16 cases and laparotomy in 4 cases. In 11 patients IFTT was associated with another pathologic condition. In 7 of the remaining 9 IFTT without pathologic association, the girls played sports. Salpingectomy was performed in 13 patients and de-torsion in 7.

Conclusions: IFTT is a rare condition that seems to occur in younger adolescents. Vague clinical presentation contributes to low preoperative suspicion. IFTT should be considered in girls with abdominal pain who practice sports with sudden body movements. Preoperative suspicion may be increased based on radiographic findings of an enlarged tubular/cystic structure with adjacent normal ovary. Conservative management is controversial but could be preferred in order to provide the best option for future fertility of these girls.

Type of study: Treatment Study (Retrospective Study) - Level IV.

Keywords: Children; Conservative management; Fertility; Hydrosalpinx; Isolated fallopian tube torsion; Salpingectomy.