Colonic volvulus: a rare presentation of Hirschsprung's disease

Abstract

Although rare, patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) may be admitted with colonic volvulus. Among 302 patients with HD two patients were admitted with colonic volvulus (0.66%). Involved segments were cecum and sigmoid colon. During the same period, 11 patients including those with HD were diagnosed with colonic volvulus. An aganglionic segment below sigmoid colon, and a freely mobile mesosigmoid seem to be the cause of sigmoid volvulus. However, extension of aganglionosis above the sigmoid colon in addition to anatomic tendency seems to result in volvulus of proximal segments. Because HD has been associated with colonic volvulus, children who present with colonic volvulus should be suspect for underlying HD.