Sigmoid volvulus is associated with a decrease in enteric plexuses and ganglion cells: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is a critical condition causing acute bowel obstruction.
• The exact pathogenesis and torsion mechanisms of SV remain poorly understood.
• Limited pathological data exists for SV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of sigmoid volvulus.
• To identify factors contributing to the development of sigmoid volvulus.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of 14 SV patients with 14 age- and sex-matched controls.
• Focus on dysmotility, including enteric visceral myopathy, neuropathy, and mesenchymopathy.
• Analysis of clinical characteristics and pathological findings.

Main Results:

• SV patients exhibited higher prevalence of inner muscle atrophy and fibrosis.
• Significantly lower extent of myenteric and submucous plexuses in SV patients.
• Reduced numbers of myenteric and submucous ganglion cells were observed in SV patients, alongside increased inflammatory neuropathy.

Conclusions:

• A reduction in enteric plexus and ganglion cells appears to precede SV manifestation.
• These neural changes may be crucial for SV diagnosis.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of these findings in SV torsion mechanisms.