Colonic obstruction in a tetraplegic patient: a common symptom from an uncommon cause.

INTRODUCTION

It is difficult to diagnose an acute abdomen condition in people with spinal cord injury due to abnormal sensation below the injured level and multiple co-morbidities. These issues can mislead the exact diagnosis and delay proper treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old male with C4 AIS C tetraplegia developed nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension and feeding intolerance. Serum electrolytes indicated severe hyponatremia. A provisional diagnosis of pseudo-gut obstruction was made. After the failure of 48 h of conservative treatment with a nasogastric and rectal tube, abdominal CT was performed and revealed sigmoid volvulus.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the inconclusive clinical features and lack of subjective complaints, early use of CT scan or MRI is preferable in people with SCI who are suspected of an emergency intra-abdominal condition.