Ultrashort segment adult Hirschsprung disease: A case report of periodic abdominal distension and constipation spanning for more than 20 years

Abstract

The diagnosis of adult Hirschsprung disease (HD) is rare, furthermore there are only 3 or 4 cases of adult ultrashort segment HD (USHD) reported previously in English literature to our knowledge. Herein, we present a case of a 22-year-old female presented with long standing history of constipation and abdominal distension secondary to USHD. Imaging modalities included plain abdominal X-ray, ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scan which collectively aided in establishing the diagnosis. Through this case report, we aim to emphasize that HD should be suspected in every adult population with chronic constipation. Also, it highlights the role of CT scan as how it should be the preferred diagnostic tool for suspected adult HD, as, not only it helps correctly identify the transition zone but rule out other possible causes of chronic obstruction.

Keywords

• Computed tomography
• Hirschsprung disease
• Transition zone
• Ultrashort-segment