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Absolute constipation caused by sigmoid volvulus in a young man.

Sergio Pozo Nuevo¹, María Dolores Macías Robles, Ramón Delgado Sevillano

¹Emergency Department, Hospital San Agustín, Avilés, Spain. serponuevo@gmail.com

BMJ Case Reports

|June 8, 2013

Summary

A rare anatomical variation, not age, predisposed a young man to sigmoid volvulus, a serious bowel obstruction. Prompt CT scans are crucial for diagnosing this condition, which can mimic other acute abdominal issues.

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Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Surgical Case Reports
Medical Imaging

Background:

Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of bowel obstruction, particularly in older populations.
Diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific clinical presentations and laboratory findings.
It often requires advanced imaging for definitive diagnosis.

Observation:

A man in his thirties presented with acute abdominal pain and constipation.
Initial assessments were inconclusive, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed sigmoid volvulus.

Findings:

An unrecognised anatomical abnormality was identified as the primary predisposing factor.
The patient's young age was not the main risk factor.
This case underscores the importance of considering anatomical variations in younger patients.

Implications:

Highlights the need for thorough investigation and advanced imaging in suspected bowel obstruction, regardless of patient age.
Emphasizes that anatomical variations can be significant risk factors for sigmoid volvulus.
Suggests that early and accurate diagnosis through CT imaging is critical for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.