Spontaneous Resolution of a Primary Small Bowel Volvulus in an Adult: A Case Report

Abstract

A 21-year-old man without a history of abdominal surgery was referred to us from a nearby doctor due to abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed ascites and a whirling appearance of the superior mesenteric vessels without the presence of malrotation of the intestine or abdominal masses；thus, the patient was diagnosed as having a primary small bowel volvulus. Symptoms were relieved gradually over time, and the patient complained of slight abdominal pain 11 hours after onset. He underwent urgent hospitalization, and conservative treatment was chosen. Symptoms were fully resolved by the next morning, and abdominal computed tomography and ultrasonography revealed spontaneous resolution of the small bowel volvulus. No recurrence was noted during 1 year after the discharge. A primary small bowel volvulus is, although rare, an acute abdomen condition, often requiring emergency surgery. We report herein on a rare case of spontaneous resolution of a primary small bowel volvulus.