Torsion of a bifid omentum as a rare cause of acute abdomen: a case report

Vicky Dhooghe, David Reynders, Peter Cools

Omental torsion is a rare and very unusual cause of acute abdominal pain. If often mimics other acute pathologies and it is very difficult to diagnose preoperatively, which can lead to deterioration of the patient. It is seldom reported in the literature. We report a well-documented case of a 67-year-old white woman who complained about abdominal pain, which was slowly increasing in severity. She had no previous abdominal interventions. An abdominal ultrasound showed multiple gallstones. At laparoscopy, free hemorrhagic fluid was seen and further exploration showed torsion of the right part of her omentum. A partial omentectomy was performed. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Omental torsion is a rare cause of abdominal pain. Primary omental torsion is seldom reported in the literature. Blood examinations are frequently normal. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography can exclude other pathologies. Exploration remains the preferred diagnostic and therapeutic modality. Surgeons should include the diagnosis of omental torsion in their differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain.