Delayed Presentation of Sigmoid Volvulus in a Young Woman

• Main Authors: Daniel Weingrow, Andrew McCague, Ravi Shah, Fariborz Lalezarzadeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2012-04-01
• Series: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
• Online Access: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/1k2639d0

Volvulus is an unusual condition in Western countries, generally isolated to elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. This report describes an unusual case of a very large gangrenous sigmoid volvulus in a young, otherwise healthy 25-year-old female. A review of the diagnosis and management is subsequently described. Without a consideration of the atypical demographics for sigmoid volvulus, the case illustrates the potential morbidity due to a delayed diagnosis. Early identification and management are crucial in treating sigmoid volvulus before the appearance of gangrene and necrosis, thereby avoiding further complications and associated mortality. [West J Emerg Med. 2012; 13(1):100–102.]