Isolated Fallopian Tube Torsion: An Underdiagnosed Entity with Debatable Management

Study Objective To study features of isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) to promote early diagnosis of this entity and describe options for management. Design Retrospective cohort study from October 2017 through October 2020. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Patients All patients with surgically confirmed adnexal torsion or IFTT during the study period. Interventions All of the patients underwent gynecological examination, imaging, and laparoscopy. Measurements and Main Results During this 3-year period, 64 patients underwent laparoscopy owing to confirmed torsion, of which 55 had adnexal torsion, and 9 had IFTT. Patients with IFTT tended to be younger (21.2 years ± 8.2 vs 29.1 years ± 11.9, p = .06) and had more fever on admission (p = .007). On ultrasound examination, isolated hydrosalpinx was demonstrated only in patients with IFTT (p <.001). During surgery, more para-ovarian cysts were observed in patients with IFTT (44.4% vs 10.9%, p = .01), whereas patients with adnexal torsion had more ovarian cysts (52.7% vs 0%, p = .003). The most common procedure was detorsion in both groups. Most patients that underwent detorsion of the tube had a normal ultrasound scan on follow-up examination. Conclusion IFTT is probably underdiagnosed. Its clinical presentation is more equivocal than adnexal torsion, and ovaries are usually of normal size on ultrasonography. Hydrosalpinx or para-ovarian cysts should raise suspicion toward IFTT. Detorsion of the tube is probably a valid management option, although further research with long-term follow-up analyzing tubal patency is necessary to define the optimal management for this condition.