Cecal volvulus: report of a case and review of Japanese literature.

Abstract

A 78-year-old woman presented with fever, severe abdominal pain, and distension. She had been institutionalized for depression and senile dementia. Laboratory examinations disclosed a leucocytosis (WBC: 12,500/microL) and elevated levels of serum C-reactive protein (2.8 mEq/L). Diagnosis of acute cecal volvulus was made from a "coffee bean sign" on an abdominal computed tomography and a "beak sign" on a gastrographin enema. An emergent laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis and an ileo-colectomy with primary anastomosis was carried out. The patient recovered after intensive respiratory care and fluid therapy, and then returned to her former institution. A review of Japanese literature disclosed that: (1) a marked increase of aged patients with mental disability presenting with cecal volvulus, (2) adoption of ileo-colectomy as the standard surgical procedure, and (3) improved survival of the patients, were observed in the last decade.

• Authors: Toshio Katoh, Tsunehiko Shigemori, Ryo Fukaya, Hiroshi Suzuki
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 15 Issue 20 Pg. 2547-9 (May 28 2009) ISSN: 2219-2840 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19469008 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Cecum (diagnostic imaging, pathology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Intestinal Volvulus (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, pathology, surgery)
• Japan
• Radiography