Splenic Flexure Colonic Volvulus: A Pediatric Case Report

• Main Authors: Chih-Chung Hsueh, Twei-Shiun Jaw, Jao-Yu Lin, Hon-Man Chan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2007-04-01
• Series: Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
• Subjects: colon; splenic flexure; volvulus
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1607551X09704000

Volvulus of the colon is an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction in the pediatric population. Splenic flexure colonic volvulus is the most uncommon site in children. We report a case of splenic flexure volvulus (SFV) in a 21-month-old boy with underlying cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He experienced abdominal distension, bilious vomiting and absence of bowel movement for 2 days. Abdominal radiography showed a proximal distended colon and a “coffee bean sign” at the left upper quadrant. Barium enema revealed a “bird beak sign” at the splenic flexure, which confirmed the diagnosis of SFV. Detorsion of SFV occurred while undergoing exploratory laparotomy. He received regular follow-up in the subsequent 3 years without recurrence.