Abstract
Introduction. Chronic constipation is common in the elderly, and often no underlying pathology is found. Primary colonic dysmotility has been described in children but is rare in the elderly. Case report. We present an 82-year-old female with long standing constipation presenting acutely with large bowel obstruction. Laparotomy and Hartman's procedure was performed, and a grossly distended sigmoid colon was resected. Histology revealed a primary myopathic process. Conclusion. Primary colonic myopathy should be considered in elderly patients presenting with large bowel obstruction and a long preceding history of constipation, particularly when previous endoscopic examinations were normal.
Highlights
Chronic constipation is common in the elderly, and often no underlying pathology is found
Primary colonic dysmotility secondary to a myapothic process has been described in children presenting with chronic constipation [1, 2]
We report the only case in the English literature of primary colonic myopathy presenting acutely with large bowel obstruction in a patient over 80 years of age
Summary
Primary colonic dysmotility secondary to a myapothic process has been described in children presenting with chronic constipation [1, 2]. Two cases have been reported in adults aged 45 and 60 [3]. We report the only case in the English literature of primary colonic myopathy presenting acutely with large bowel obstruction in a patient over 80 years of age
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