Sigmoid volvulus in a 14-year-old male mimicking acute gastroenteritis

Abstract Sigmoid volvulus is a rare but life-threatening diagnosis in the paediatric population and has only been reported a handful of times in the literature. We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with abdominal pain and diarrhoea who was diagnosed with a sigmoid volvulus after initially being...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of surgical case reports 2023-03, Vol.2023 (3), p.rjad166
Main Authors: Senanayake, Tharindu, McEwen, Ellie C, Naidoo, Taryn, Al-Mahaidi, Senan, Al-Mahaidi, Saad
Format: Article
Language:English
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Case Report
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Summary:Abstract Sigmoid volvulus is a rare but life-threatening diagnosis in the paediatric population and has only been reported a handful of times in the literature. We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with abdominal pain and diarrhoea who was diagnosed with a sigmoid volvulus after initially being managed for infectious gastroenteritis. The patient initially presented with a 5-day history of watery stool, 1-day history of profuse vomiting and colicky abdominal pain. Whilst admitted, the patient developed worsening abdominal pain, distention and hyperresonance to percussion. Computed tomography demonstrated a dilated sigmoid colon, with a mesenteric ‘whirl sign’ around the inferior mesenteric artery. The patient underwent a laparotomy, which confirmed a sigmoid volvulus, requiring an anterior resection. This case emphasises the importance for general surgeons to consider the rare diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus in children.
ISSN:2042-8812
2042-8812
DOI:10.1093/jscr/rjad166