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From the Cecum to the Sigmoid: Twisted Colon in the Pediatric Population
Raphael H Parrado1, Nathan S Rubalcava2, Katherine P Davenport3
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Insights
Colonic volvulus (CV) is rare in children but can cause severe obstruction. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications in pediatric patients with colonic volvulus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Colonic volvulus (CV) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in pediatric patients, differing significantly from adult presentations.
- Understanding the unique pediatric CV etiology, clinical course, and management is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of colonic volvulus are presented, highlighting variations in presentation and management.
- Case 1: A 12-year-old boy with sigmoid volvulus treated initially with endoscopic decompression, followed by recurrence and surgical intervention.
- Case 2: A 17-year-old boy with cecal volvulus secondary to a congenital band, managed with emergent surgery.
Findings:
- Pediatric colonic volvulus can manifest with diverse etiologies, including congenital abnormalities.
- Diagnostic modalities like contrast enema and CT scans are vital for identifying CV and associated complications.
- Treatment strategies range from endoscopic decompression to emergent surgical intervention, depending on the clinical scenario.
Implications:
- Early recognition and prompt diagnosis of pediatric colonic volvulus are critical to minimize morbidity.
- This condition necessitates a high index of suspicion in children presenting with abdominal pain and obstruction symptoms.
- Tailored treatment approaches, considering both endoscopic and surgical options, are vital for effective management of pediatric CV.
Abstract:
Colonic volvulus (CV) is the third leading cause of colonic obstruction in adults. In infants and children, this is exceedingly rare, with only sporadic cases reported so far. We present two cases of CV to highlight the differences in etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. The first patient is a 12-year-old boy with no previous surgeries who presented with four days of abdominal pain. Imaging showed a sigmoid volvulus that was decompressed endoscopically, and he was discharged. He had a contrast enema showing an abnormal rectosigmoid ratio. At the time of the rectal biopsy four weeks later, he was found to have a recurrence, at which point definitive operative treatment was pursued. The second patient is a 17-year-old boy who presented with five days of abdominal pain and CT findings concerning for ischemic volvulus. This prompted emergent operative intervention, where a cecal volvulus was discovered as the result of a congenital band. The band was divided without complication. Pediatric CV is a rare condition that might be severe in some cases. High suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and treatment are essential to prevent early and long-term morbidity.
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