Torsion of the fallopian tube and the haematosalpinx in perimenopausal women - A case report

Abstract

An isolated fallopian tube torsion is a rare, often difficult to diagnose, but significant cause of acute lower abdominal pain in women of the reproductive age group. It is rare in the perimenopausal age group. We are presenting a literature review and the case of a 47 years old woman who presented with a sudden onset of acute lower abdominal pain. Her clinical examination revealed an 8×8 cm, tender, cystic mass in the left lower quadrant, with positive cervical movement tenderness. MRI revealed a gross hydrosalpinx with a small left ovarian cyst. With a diagnosis of left adnexal torsion, an emergency laparotomy was performed, which revealed an isolated left fallopian tube torsion which necessitated a left salpingo-oophorectomy. A tubal torsion should be suspected in females with acute lower abdominal pain, of any age group, especially in those with predisposing factors like pelvic infections, tumours and surgeries which include tubal ligation. Laparoscopy is the preferred modality for the diagnosis and treatment of a tubal torsion.