Transverse colon volvulus presenting as bowel obstruction, atelectasis, and displacement of the right lobe of the liver into the left upper abdominal quadrant: a case report

Mubaraka Kayiira, Eria Muwanguzi, Derrick Kasozi, Peter Waitt, Rogers Ayebare, Edwin Musinguzi, Innocent Orimunsi, Paul Okeny, Peter Mbide, Timothy Arthur Serumaga, Nicholas Tamale

Transverse colon volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. It is a surgical emergency that can lead to bowel infarction, peritonitis, and death. We report a case of transverse colon volvulus in a 35-year-old Congolese immigrant man who had a rare presentation with features of intestinal obstruction associated with right lung collapse and left mediastinal shift. This case is unusual because it presented with respiratory features that mimicked a pneumothorax in addition to features of intestinal obstruction. The use of point-of-care lung ultrasound was helpful in ruling out a pneumothorax, and this could help avoid situations such as unintentional chest drain insertions by other professionals who may encounter a similar case. Because transverse colon volvulus is rare, a high level of suspicion and awareness is required to make an accurate diagnosis.