Isolated tubal torsion at menarche— a case report

Abstract Background: Adnexal torsion is a well-recognized cause of acute pelvic pain. Isolated tubal torsion with ovarian sparing has certainly been documented, but is uncommon. Although risk factors for the latter include a menstrual period, menarche in particular is not known to predispose a patient to this event. Severe unilateral pelvic pain with first menses is more likely to herald a congenital mullerian anomaly and cryptomenorrhea, particularly when accompanied by a pelvic mass. We present a case of tubal torsion where a coincidental, yet misleading temporal relation to menarche led to a delay in laparoscopy and ultimate diagnosis. Case: KG, an eleven-year-old female, experienced severe right-sided dysmenorrhea with her first and second menses in August and September 1999 respectively. Between episodes, pain, although still present, was more tolerable and the patient never required hospitalization. Ultrasound revealed a lobulated inhomogeneous mass posterior to the uterus and extending from one normal ovary to the other (Figures). MRI further described the mass as pseudoencapsulated with inhomogeneous areas of high attenuation on T1 and T2 images (Figures). Findings were consistent with an endometrioma, but admittedly could have represented a hemorrhagic cystic mass. No definite mullerian anomaly was seen to explain advanced endometriosis, but two focal areas within the endometrial canal raised the possibility of a uterine septum. Examination of the patient (one week after presentation) was not very helpful although she was pubertal, did have a hymenal septum and was mildly tender on bimanual examination in the Pouch of Douglas. The patient had been started on continuous oral contraceptives while undergoing investigations. Pain only recurred during an episode of break-through bleeding. Ultimately she came to laparoscopy and hysteroscopy where chronic right tubal torsion and necrosis was identified with an inflammatory/hemorrhagic reaction in the pelvis (Photos). There were no identifiable fimbria of the right tube which was densely adherent distally to perirectal fat (Photo). No obvious precipitant was found. Laparoscopic lysis of adhesions and right distal salpingectomy was performed (Photo). Her uterine cavity was in fact normal (Photo) Conclusion: Whether or not this patient's right tube was originally normal will never be known. Congenital abnormalities of fallopian tubes do occur and can predispose to torsion. Nonetheless, adnexal torsion must always be kept in mind whenever a woman presents with unilateral pelvic pain. Early diagnosis is paramount in children and women of reproductive age in order to improve the likelihood of adnexal salvage and future fertility. A “gold-standard” radiological investigative tool continues to elude us. Laparoscopy, albeit more invasive, remains an invaluable procedure in this context with relatively low morbidity as compared to the consequences of delayed diagnosis.