Splenic flexure volvulus associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report.

INTRODUCTION Volvulus of the splenic flexure (VSF) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction (1). Patients usually present with recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction and there is a slight female preponderance. The affected patients usually have identifiable risk factors including previous surgery involving mobilization of the splenic flexure with resultant adhesions, congenital absence of the ligamentous attachments of the splenic flexure or motility disorders affecting the colon. The treatment of VSF is definitive surgery. Although VSF has been reported in systemic sclerosis (2), an autoimmune condition, to our knowledge this is the first report of VSF occurring in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).