A possible association between sports and isolated fallopian tube torsion in children and adolescent females

Abstract

Isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a rare occurrence characterized by the rotation of the fallopian tube on its own axis, without twisting the ipsilateral ovary. Pre-operative diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of specific clinical symptoms and radiological signs. The etiology is to date unknown and only some pre-disposing factors have been reported. The history, clinical presentation, laboratory findings and surgical treatment of five patients aged 12–16 with IFTT were evaluated. All patients came to be examined for worsening abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. 75% of them practiced sports involving sudden changes in body position. They all underwent blood tests, ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance and then laparoscopy for the persistence of acute symptoms. Laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed in three patients. Another two needed a conversion to open salpingectomy due to the presence of pelvic adhesions. During the follow-up period, every girl was fine. The cause of IFTT is undetermined. In this series, a close association between IFTT and sports causing rapid body movements was found. The possibility of IFTT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children or adolescent females, especially if they practice sports.

Chinese abstract

单纯性输卵管扭转（IFTT）是指输卵管以其自身轴线旋转的一种罕见情况，不伴有同侧卵巢的扭转。由于缺乏特异性的临床症状和影像学征象，术前诊断困难。目前病因不明，只有一些高危因素被报道。本研究总结了5例12–16岁单纯性输卵管扭转患者的病史、临床表现、实验室检查及手术治疗情况。所有患者均因腹部疼痛加重、恶心或呕吐就诊。75%的患者参与了身体位置突然变化的体育运动。他们都进行了血液检测、超声和磁共振，然后因为持续的剧烈症状进行腹腔镜探查。其中3例患者行腹腔镜下输卵管切除术。另两例患者因盆腔粘连中转开腹行输卵管切除术。在随访期间，每一个女孩都很好。单纯性输卵管扭转原因不明。在这些病例中，我们发现：导致身体快速活动的体育运动与单纯性输卵管扭转有密切联系。对儿童或青春期女性急性腹痛鉴别诊断时应考虑单纯性输卵管扭转的可能，尤其是他们参与体育运动后。

• Adolescent
• children
• isolated fallopian tube torsion
• laparoscopy
• sports

Declaration of interest

All authors know and comply with the Journal’s Conflict of Interest Policy. This article is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. No conflicts of interest are declared. No sources of financial support are declared.