Case Reports
Torsion of a fallopian tube: a rare cause of lower abdominal pain in a female of reproductive age
Authors:
Janitha R Costa ,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Londonderry, IE
James Moohan
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Londonderry, IE
Abstract
Isolated unilateral torsion of a fallopian tube is an infrequent but significant cause of acute lower abdominal pain in a female of reproductive age. We present a literature review and the case of a 41-year old lady who presented with sudden onset right-sided lower abdominal pain radiating to right thigh. Clinical examination revealed tenderness in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and a tender right adnexal mass was noted on vaginal examination. Transvaginal scan revealed an elongated, multiloculated right adnexal mass and a normal left ovary. No free fluid or ascites were noted. Torsion of a right hydrosalpinx was suspected and an emergency laparoscopy was performed which confirmed the diagnosis and a right salpingectomy was carried out. Isolated torsion of a fallopian tube should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain in any female of reproductive age, particularly when she has a history of tubal sterilisation, oophorectomy and/or pelvic adhesive disease.
Key words: torsion; fallopian tube; hydrosalpinx; adnexal mass; salpingectomy.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljog.v33i2.4009
Sri Lanka Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2011; 33: 63-64
How to Cite:
Costa, J.R. and Moohan, J., 2012. Torsion of a fallopian tube: a rare cause of lower abdominal pain in a female of reproductive age. Sri Lanka Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 33(2), pp.63–64. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljog.v33i2.4009
Published on
23 Jan 2012.
Peer Reviewed
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