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

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.