Anasarca as a manifestation of childhood volvulus: Diagnostic and management challenges in an 11-year old Nigerian boy

BACKGROUND: Small intestine volvulus occurs more commonly among younger children. It often poses diagnostic challenges when it occurs in older children and adults. For good clinical outcomes, it is essential to have prompt presentation, diagnosis and early intervention. Anasarca is not a common clinical manifestation of small intestine volvulus. CASE PRESENTATION: We report this unusual presentation of small intestine volvulus in an 11-year old Nigerian boy who first presented only with anasarca. While being investigated for the cause of the anasarca, he developed features of acute abdomen thought to be spontaneous bacteria peritonitis initially. He had surgery where the diagnosis of small intestine volvulus was made. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and management of both anasarca and small intestine volvulus could be fraught with challenges. It is possible that anasarca can be the first manifestation of small intestine volvulus.