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Mobile cecal syndrome, a precursor to cecal volvulus, causes intermittent right lower quadrant pain. This condition, though common in children, can affect adults and requires consideration in diagnosing obscure abdominal pain.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Mobile cecal syndrome (MCS) is a condition where the cecum is abnormally mobile within the abdomen.
- It can be a precursor to acute cecal volvulus, a surgical emergency, in up to 50% of cases.
- While primarily seen in children, MCS can present in adults, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Patients experience intermittent colicky right lower quadrant pain, often with tenderness at McBurney's point.
- Attacks are characterized by hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds.
- Between episodes, patients are typically asymptomatic, complicating diagnosis.
Findings:
- The study presents three cases of young women diagnosed with mobile cecal syndrome.
- It highlights the variable clinical presentation and the importance of recognizing MCS in adults.
- Surgical therapy was illustrated as a management option.
Implications:
- Mobile cecal syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis for unexplained right lower quadrant pain in both children and adults.
- Early recognition and management can prevent complications like cecal volvulus.
- Further research into the long-term outcomes and optimal management strategies for MCS is warranted.
Abstract:
The mobile cecal syndrome is primarily a disease of children. However, it may be present as a precursor of frank cecal volvulus in approximately 50 per cent of the cases. Symptoms are intermittent colicky right lower quadrant pain with tenderness over McBurney's point and hyperactive high-pitched bowel sounds during the attack. After the attack, the patient is asymptomatic. Three cases of young women with mobile cecal syndrome are presented to illustrate the clinical course and surgical therapy. The mobile cecal syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant pain from obscure causes.