Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus in a Young Female With Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is extremely rare in young patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We report a 20-year-old female with UC presenting with recurrent SV without traditional risk factors. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis with a "whirl sign." The patient underwent definitive robotic-assisted anterior resection with inferior mesenteric vessel preservation. Notably, the site of torsion corresponded to the segment most severely affected by UC, suggesting a localized inflammatory mechanism contributing to volvulus formation. This case highlights a potential pathophysiological link between chronic inflammation and colonic torsion, possibly involving neuroinflammatory changes. Clinicians should consider recurrent SV in young UC patients as a potential indicator of segmental motility dysfunction and evaluate the need for definitive surgical management.
Authors
- Cheng-Wei Huang
- Hung-Ming Huang
- Yu-Chun Yeh
- Yu-Ru Lai
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2026-04-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.107089
- Primary Topic
- Intestinal Malrotation and Obstruction Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00