[Cecal volvulus as a complication in Cornelia de Lange syndrome. A case report and literature review]

Abstract

Colonic volvulus in children is a rare, but serious and important differential diagnosis in acute abdominal illness. Our patient with Cornelia de Lange's syndrome, was admitted with an acute onset of abdominal pain and in a critical condition. Explorative laparotomy revealed a caecal volvulus with necrosis of the distal ileum, caecum and proximal colon. The syndrome is characterized by typical facial expression, both growth and mental retardation, and various gastrointestinal and cardiac anomalies. Predisposing factors contributing to volvulus in this syndrome are mental retardation and a higher incidence of malrotation and nonfixation of the caecum and ascending colon. The parents of children with Cornelia de Lange's syndrome should therefore be counselled so that they are able to provide essential information in the event of their children experiencing acute illness.