A case of sigmoid volvulus in an unexpected demographic

A sigmoid volvulus occurs when a segment of the colon twists upon its mesentery. This infliction is associated with old age, multiple co-morbidities, and the male sex. We present a rare case of sigmoid volvulus that occurred in a healthy young female.

A 28-year-old female presented with a one week history of constipation and abdominal pain. Her symptoms suddenly worsened and became associated with vomiting and severe pain. A focused history taking and physical examination showed peritoneal signs that led to timely diagnostic imaging to be implemented. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen was consistent with sigmoid volvulus. Our patient underwent emergent laparotomy with a sigmoidectomy and recovered with no post-operative complications.

This case report emphasizes the importance of clinicians maintaining a sigmoid volvulus as a rare, yet important differential when approaching abdominal pain in young healthy patients.