Spontaneous colonic rupture related to the segmental absence of muscularis propria in an adult

Colonic perforation is a medical emergency that may be fatal if surgery cannot be performed in a timely manner. Colonic rupture in adults is caused by primary (idiopathic) and secondary factors. Although the segmental absence of muscularis propria (SAMP) is a recognized cause of secondary colonic rupture in neonates and infants, few cases have been reported in adults. Here, we present the case of a large colonic rupture caused by SAMP in a 60-year-old woman and a review of the literature. We suggest that SAMP should be included in the differential diagnosis of large perforation and/or periperforation membranous thinning of the colonic wall in adults.