Gastro Flashcards
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
what is it
the intrahepatic or extrahepatic ducts become strictured + fibrotic
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
pathophysiology
strictured + fibrotic intrahepatic or extrahepatic ducts
obstruction to flow of bile out liver and into intestines
chronic bile obstruction leads to hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
what does sclerosis refer to
stiffening and hardening of the bile ducts
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
what does cholangitis refer to
inflammation of the bile ducts
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
what condition is it associated with
ulcerative colitis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
cause
unclear but probs a combination of:
- genetic
- autoimmune
- intestinal microbiome
- environmental factors
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
RFs (4)
- male
- aged 30-40
- ulcerative colitis
- FH
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
presentation (5)
- jaundice
- chronic RUQ pain
- pruritis
- fatigue
- hepatomegaly
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
what will LFTs show
a ‘cholestatic’ picture
ALP is the most deranged
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
LFTs: why may there be a rise in bilirubin
as the strictures become more severe and prevents bilirubin from being excreted through the bile duct
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
LFTs: why may other LFTs apart from ALP be deranged
as the disease progresses to hepatitis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
are there any antibodies which are highly sensitive or specific to PSC
no but can indicate where there is an autoimmune element that may respond to immunosuppression
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
which autoantibodies may be present
p-ANCA (94%)
ANA (77%)
aCL (63%) - anticardiolipid
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
gold standard inx for dx
MRCP - magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI scan of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas)
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
what will the MRCP show
may show bile duct lesions or strictures
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
associations and complications
- acute bacterial cholangitis
- cholangiocarcinoma
- colorectal cancer
- cirrhosis and liver failure
- biliary strictures
- fat soluble vitamin deficiencies
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
mnx
- liver transplant
- ERCP
- Colestyramine
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
mnx: what is ERCP
endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography
insert camera through throat through to bile ducts.
Use X-rays and injecting contrast to identify any strictures
stented
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
mnx: what is colestyramine
a bile acid sequestrate: binds to bile acids to prevent absorption in the gut
can help with pruritus due to raised bile acids
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what is it
the immune system attacks the small bile ducts within the liver
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
how does it lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure
immune system attacks the intralobar ducts (aka Canals of Hering)
this causes obstruction of the outflow of bile (cholestasis)
back pressure of bile obstruction leads to fibrosis
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what causes itching
obstruction to the outflow of bile acids so they build up in the blood as they are not being excreted
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what causes jaundice
obstruction to the outflow of biliruibin so they build up in the blood as they are not being excreted
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what causes raised cholesterol
obstruction to the outflow of cholesterol so they build up in the blood as they are not being excreted
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what is the name for cholesterol deposits in the skin
xanthelasma
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
why is there increased risk of CVD
cholesterol deposits in blood vessels
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
why are there greasy stools
lack of bile acids –> fat not digested
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
why are there pale stools
lack of biliruibin
biliruibin normally causes the dark colour of stool
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
presentation
- fatigue
- pruritis
- GI disturbance + abdo pain
- jaundice
- pale stools
- xanthoma + xanthelasma
- signs of cirrhosis + failure (ascites, splenomegaly, spider naevi)
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what is xanthoma
larger nodular cholesterol deposits in the skin or tendons
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
associations (3)
- middle aged women
- autoimmune disease (thyroid, coeliac)
- rheumatoid conditions (systemic sclerosis, Sjogrens + RA)
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
LFT result
cholestatic picture
ALP raised first, then others + biliruibin raised in later disease
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what it the most specific autoantibody to PBC and forms part of the diagnostic criteria
anti-mitochondrial antibodies
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
autoantibodies
anti-mitochondrial antibodies (most specific)
ANA (35%)
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what inx is used for diagnosis and staging
liver biopsy
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what will other blood tests show (apart from LFTs)
- raised ESR
- raised IgM
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
mnx
- ursodeoxycholic acid
- colestyramine
- liver transplant (end stage liver disease)
- immunosuppression with steroids is considered in some
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
mnx: how does ursodeoxycholic acid work
reduces the intestinal absorption of cholesterol
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
mnx: how does colestyramine work
a bile acid sequestrate: binds to bile acids to prevent absorption in the gut
and can help with pruritis due to raised bile acids
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
what are the most important end results of this disease
- advanced liver cirrhosis
- portal HTN
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
complications
- distal renal tubular acidosis
- hypothyroidism
- osteoporosis
- hepatocellular carcinoma
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what is it
a condition caused by an abnormality in the gene for a protease inhibitor called alpha-1-antitrypsin
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what enzyme is secreted from neutrophils
elastase
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what does the enzyme, elastase do?
digests connective tissue
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
where is Alpha 1 Antitrypsin mainly produced
in the liver
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
how does alpha-1-antitrypsin protect the body
travels around the body and inhibits the neutrophil elastase enzyme
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what chromosome is A1AT coded for on
14
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what is the inheritance pattern
autosomal recessive
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what are the 2 main organs it affects
liver and lungs
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what does it lead to after 30 years old
bronchiectasis and emphysema in the lungs
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what does it lead to after 50 years old
liver cirrhosis
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
how does it cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
a mutant version of A1AT protein is created in the liver
gets trapped and builds up and causes liver damage
the liver damage progresses to cirrhosis over time and can lead to HCC
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
how does it cause bronchiectasis and emphysema
lack of normal A1AT leads to excess protease enzymes that attack the connective tissue in the lungs
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what is the screening test of choice
serum-alpha-1-antitrypsin (low)
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what would liver biopsy show
cirrhosis and
acid-Schiff-positive staining globules in hepatocytes
(this stain highlights the mutant alpha-1-antitrypsin proteins)
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
what gene are you looking for in genetic testing
A1AT gene
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
how to diagnose bronchiectasis and emphysema
high resolution CT thorax
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
mnx
- stop smoking
- symptomatic mnx
- organ transplant for end stage liver or lung disease
- moniter complications (HCC)
- NICE do not recommend replacement A1AT
Upper GI bleed
where is the bleeding from
the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
Upper GI bleed
DDx
- oesophageal varices
- Mallory-Weiss tear
- ulcers (stomach or duodenum)
- cancers of the stomach or duodenum
Upper GI bleed
presentation
- haematemesis (vomiting blood)
- coffee ground vomit
- melaena
- haemodynamic instability if large blood loss
Upper GI bleed
what is coffee ground vomit
vomiting digested blood that looks like coffee grounds
Upper GI bleed
what is melaena
tar like, black, greasy and offensive stools caused by digested blood
Upper GI bleed
how would haemodynamic instability present
- low BP
- tachycardia
- signs of shock
Upper GI bleed
how would a peptic ulcer present as
epigastric pain and dyspepsia
Upper GI bleed
how would a pt with liver disease with oesophageal varices present with
jaundice or ascites
Upper GI bleed
what scoring system is used to establish their risk of having an upper GI bleed
Glasgow-Blatchford Score
Upper GI bleed
what does the Glasgow-Blatchford score take into account
- drop in Hb
- Rise in urea
- BP
- HR
- Melaena
- Syncope
Upper GI bleed
what indicates a high risk in the Glasgow-Blatchford score
> 0
Upper GI bleed
why does the urea rise
the blood in the GI tract gets broken down by the acid and digestive enzymes
one of the breakdown products is urea which is absorbed in the intestines
Upper GI bleed
which scoring system is used for pts that have had an endoscopy to calculate their risk of rebleeding and overall mortality
Rockall Score
Upper GI bleed
what features does the Rockall Score take into account
- age
- features of shock (tachycardia or hypotension)
- co-morbidities
- cause of bleeding
- endoscopic stigmata of recent haemorrhage e.g. clots or visible bleeding vessels
Upper GI bleed
mnx
ABATED
ABCDE Bloods Access (2 large bore cannula) Transfuse Endoscopy (within 24hrs) Drugs (stop anticoagulants + NSAIDs)
Upper GI bleed
what bloods should you send for
- Haemoglobin (FBC)
- Urea (U&Es)
- Coagulation (INR, FBC for platelets)
- Liver disease (LFTs)
- Crossmatch 2 units of blood
Upper GI bleed
what’s the difference between ‘Group & Save’ and ‘Crossmatch’
“Group and save”: lab checks the pt’s blood group and keeps a sample of their blood saved in case they need to match blood to it.
“Crossmatch”: lab finds blood, tests that it is compatible and keeps it ready in the fridge to be used if necessary
Upper GI bleed
what do you transfuse to pts with massive haemorrhage
blood, platelets and clotting factors (fresh frozen plasma)
Upper GI bleed
when should platelets be given
in active bleeding and thrombocytopenia (platelets<50)
Upper GI bleed
what can be given to pts taking warfarin that are actively bleeding
prothrombin complex concentrate
Upper GI bleed
what can be given if suspecting oesophageal varices (in pts with a hx of chronic liver disease)
- Terlipressin
- prophylactic broad spectrum abx
Upper GI bleed
definitive trx
oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD)
to provide interventions that stop the bleeding e.g. banding of varices or cauterisation of the bleeding vessel.
Upper GI bleed
should you use PPI prior to endoscopy
NICE recommend against using a PPI but some senior doctors do this.
Haemochromatosis
what is it
an iron storage disorder that results in excessive total body iron and deposition of iron in tissues
Haemochromatosis
what gene is affected
the human haemochromatosis protein (HFE) gene
Haemochromatosis
where is the HFE gene located
Ch6
Haemochromatosis
what is the inheritance pattern
autosomal recessive
Haemochromatosis
what does the HFE gene do
regulate iron metabolism
Haemochromatosis
when does it usually present
after the age of 40 when the iron overload becomes symptomatic
Haemochromatosis
why does it present later in females
due to the menstruation acting to regularly eliminate iron from the body
Haemochromatosis
symptoms
- memory + mood disturbance
- hair loss
- chronic tiredness
- bronze skin pigmentation
- erectile dysfunction
- amenorrhoea
- joint pain
Haemochromatosis
main diagnostic inx
serum ferritin
Haemochromatosis
what does it mean when it says ferritin is an acute phase reactant
ferritin levels go up with inflammatory conditions such as infection
Haemochromatosis
what inx to perform to distinguish between high ferritin caused by iron overload vs other causes like inflammation or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
transferrin saturation
high in haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis
high serum ferritin, high transferrin saturation, what inx next?
genetic testing
Haemochromatosis
what used to be the gold standard inx but has been surpassed by genetic testing
liver biopsy with Perl’s stain to establish iron conc in the parenchymal cells
Haemochromatosis
what inx to show a non-specific increase in attenuation of the liver
CT abdo
Haemochromatosis
what inx to give a more detailed pic of liver deposits of iron and iron deposits in the heart
MRI
Haemochromatosis
complications
- T1DM
- liver cirrhosis
- hypogonadism, impotence, amenorrhea, infertility
- cardiomyopathy
- HCC
- hypothyroidism
- chondrocalcinosis/pseudogout
Haemochromatosis
why is T1DM a complication
iron affects the functioning of the pancreas
Haemochromatosis
why is hypogonadism, impotence, amenorrhea, infertility a complication
iron deposits in the pituitary and gonads leads to endocrine and sexual problems
Haemochromatosis
why is cardiomyopathy a complication
iron deposits in the heart
Haemochromatosis
why is hypothyroidism a complication
iron deposits in the thyroid
Haemochromatosis
why is Chrondocalcinosis / pseudogout a complication
calcium deposits in joints causing arthritis
Haemochromatosis
mnx
- Venesection
- moniter serum ferritin
- avoid alcohol
- genetic counselling
- moniter and trx of complications
Haemochromatosis
mnx: what is venesection
a weekly protocol of removing blood to decrease total iron
what is Zollinger Ellison Syndrome
a condition where there is excess acid production leading to peptic ulcers
what is Zollinger Ellison Syndrome caused by
a gastinoma which is a neuroendocrine tumour secreting the hormone, gastrin
what is Gilbert’s syndrome
an autosomal recessive* condition of defective bilirubin conjugation caused by deficiency of UDP glucuronosyltransferase
signs of Gilbert’s syndrome
- unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (i.e. not in urine)
- jaundice may only be seen during an intercurrent illness, exercise or fasting
Gilbert’s syndrome
Inx
rise in bilirubin following prolonged fasting or IV nicotinic acid
Gilbert’s syndrome
trx
none
what is the 1st line trx for ascites in liver disease
spironolactone
what are 3 defining features of acute liver failure
- INR>1.5
- encephalopathy
- jaundice
what is a marker of HCC
alpha-fetoprotein
what is definitive mnx for a perforated peptic ulcer
laparotomy
IBD
features of Crohn’s
crows NESTS
No blood or mucus
Entire GI tract
Skip lesions on endoscopy
Terminal ileum most affected + Transmural inflammation
Smoking is a RF (don’t set the nest on fire)
weight loss, strictures, fistulas
IBD
features of Ulcerative Colitis
U-C-CLOSEUP
Continuous inflammation Limited to colon + rectum Only superficial mucosa affected Smoking is protective Excrete blood + mucus Use aminosalicylates Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
IBD
presentation (4)
- diarrhoea
- abdo pain
- passing blood
- weight loss
IBD
screening test
faecal calprotectin
IBD
why is faecal calprotectin raised
released by the intestines when inflamed
IBD
diagnostic inx?
endoscopy (OGD + colonoscopy) with biopsy
IBD
inx to look for complications such as fistulas, abscesses + strictures
imaging w/ US, CT + MRI
IBD
what inx indicates inflammation and active disease
CRP
IBD
1st line to induce remission in Crohn’s
steroids (PO prednisolone or IV hydrocortisone)
IBD
Crohn’s: if steroids don’t work to induce remission, what do you consider adding?
immunosuppressants:
- Azathioprine
- Mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
- Infliximab
- Adalimumab
IBD
Crohn’s: maintaining remission 1st line
- Azathioprine
- Mercaptopurine
IBD
Crohn’s: when is it possible to surgically resect
when the disease only affects the distal ileum
IBD
UC: inducing remission in mild to moderate disease
1st line: aminosalicylate (e.g. PO mesalazine or rectal)
2nd line: corticosteroids (prednisolone)
IBD
UC: inducing remission in severe disease
1st line: IV corticosteroids (hydrocortisone)
2nd line: IV ciclosporin
IBD
UC: maintaining remission
AMINOSALICYLATE (e.g. mesalazine PO or rectal)
azathioprine
mercaptopurine
IBD
what does UC typically only affect
the colon and rectum
IBD
UC: what surgery will remove the disease
panproctocolectomy (removal of colon and rectum)
IBD
after a panproctocolectomy, what is left?
either a permanent ileostomy or an ileo-anal anastomosis (J-pouch)
IBD
what is an ileo-anal anastomosis (J-pouch)
the ileum is folded back in itself and fashioned into a larger pouch that functions a bit like a rectum.
This “J-pouch” which is then attached to the anus and collects stools prior to the person passing the motion.
what is Melanosis coli
colonoscopy shows dark brown pigmented areas in the lamina propria usually asssociated with chronic laxative abuse (Senna)
Liver Cancer
what is primary liver cancer
cancer that originates in the liver
Liver Cancer
what are the 2 main types of primary liver cancer
hepatocellular carcinoma (80%)
cholangiocarcinoma (20%).
Liver Cancer
what is secondary liver cancer
cancer that originates outside the liver and metastasises to the liver
Liver Cancer
the main RF for HCC is liver cirrhosis due to?
- Viral hepatitis (B and C)
- Alcohol
- Non alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Other chronic liver disease
Liver Cancer
Cholangiocarcinoma is associated with what condition
primary sclerosing cholangitis
Liver Cancer
why is there a poor prognosis
often remains asymptomatic for a long time and then presents late
Liver Cancer
presentation
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Pruritus
Liver Cancer
how do cholangiocarcinomas present similarly to pancreatic cancer
painless jaundice
Liver Cancer
what is the tumour marker for HCC
Alpha-fetoprotein
Liver Cancer
what is the tumour marker for cholangiocarcinoma
CA19-9
Liver Cancer
what inx to diagnose and stage
CT and MRI
Liver Cancer
initial inx
liver US
Liver Cancer
which inx to take biopsies or brushings to diagnose cholangiocarcinoma
ERCP
Liver Cancer
what mnx options can be curative in HCC
- Resection of early disease in a resectable area of the liver
- Liver transplant when the HCC is isolated to the liver
Liver Cancer
what medical trx is licensed for HCC
several kinase inhibitors: sorafenib, regorafenib and lenvatinib
Liver Cancer
How do kinase inhibitors work in treating HCC
inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.
can potentially extend life by months.
Liver Cancer
is chemo or radio used in HCC or cholangiocarcinomas
No, both are generally considered resistant to chemo and radiotherapy.
Liver Cancer
early disease of cholangiocarcinoma can be cured how?
potentially be cured with surgical resection.
Liver Cancer
mnx of cholangiocarcinoma
ERCP: stent in bile duct where the cholangiocarcinoma is compressing the duct.
allows drainage of bile and usually improves symptoms.
Liver Cancer
what is a haemangioma
common benign tumours of the liver
often found incidentally
no sx no potential to become cancerous.
no trx or monitoring required
Liver Cancer
what is Focal nodular hyperplasia
a benign liver tumour made of fibrotic tissue
often found incidentally
usually asymptomatic and has no malignant potential
Liver Cancer
whom is focal nodular hyperplasia more common in
often related to oestrogen and is therefore more common in women and those on the OCP
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what is the stepwise progression of alcoholic liver disease
- alcohol related fatty liver
- alcoholic hepatitis
- cirrhosis
Alcoholic Liver Disease
recommended alcohol consumption
14 units/week for both men and women
spread evenly over 3≥ days and not >5 units/day
Alcoholic Liver Disease
which questions can be used to quickly screen for harmful alcohol use
CAGE questions
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what are the CAGE questions
Cut down - ever thought you should?
Annoyed - at others commenting on your drinking
Guilty - ever feel guilty about drinking
Eye opener - ever drink in the morning to help your hangover/nerves
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what is the AUDIT questionnaire
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to screen people for harmful alcohol use.
10Q’s with MCA
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what score on the AUDIT questionnaire indicates harmful use
≥8
Alcoholic Liver Disease
complications of alcohol
- alcoholic liver disease
- cirrhosis –> HCC
- alcohol dependence + withdrawal
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- alcoholic cardiomyopathy
Alcoholic Liver Disease
signs of liver disease
- jaundice
- hepatomegaly
- spider naevi
- palmar erythema
- gynaecomastia
- bruising
- ascites
- caput medusae - engorged superficial epigastric veins
- asterixis - ‘flapping tremor’ in decompensated liver disease
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what would FBC show
raised MCV
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what would LFTs show
RAISED GGT
elevated ALT, AST
low albumin due to reduced synthetic function
elevated ALP later in the disease
elevated bilirubin in cirrhosis
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what would the bloods in clotting show
elevated PTT due to reduced synthetics function of the liver
Alcoholic Liver Disease
when may U+E’s be deranged
hepatorenal syndrome
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what may US show
“increased echogenicity” - fatty changes
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what is a FibroScan
checks the elasticity of the liver by sending high frequency sound waves into the liver
helps assess the degree of cirrhosis
Alcoholic Liver Disease
diagnosis of alcohol-related hepatitis or cirrhosis
liver biopsy
Alcoholic Liver Disease
general mnx
- stop drinking
- consider detoxification regime
- thiamine + high protein diet
- short term steroids
Alcoholic Liver Disease
alcohol withdrawal sx 6-12h after alcohol consumption ceases
- tremor
- sweating
- headache
- craving + anxiety
Alcoholic Liver Disease
alcohol withdrawal sx 12-24h after alcohol consumption ceases
hallucinations
Alcoholic Liver Disease
alcohol withdrawal sx 24-48h after alcohol consumption ceases
seizures
Alcoholic Liver Disease
alcohol withdrawal sx 24-72h after alcohol consumption ceases
delirium tremens
Alcoholic Liver Disease
pathophysiology of delirium tremens
alcohol stimulates GABA receptors in brain –> relaxing effect
alcohol inhibits glutamate (NMDA) receptors –> inhibitory effect on electrical activity on brain
chronic alcohol use –> GABA system becomes down regulated and glutamate system becomes up regulated
alcohol removed –> GABA under functions and glutamate over functions – > excess adrenergic activity
Alcoholic Liver Disease
presentation of delirium tremens
- Acute confusion
- Severe agitation
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Tremor
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Hyperthermia
- Ataxia (difficulties with coordinated movements)
- Arrhythmias
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what can be used to score the patient on their withdrawal symptoms and guide treatment.
The CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment – Alcohol revised) tool
Alcoholic Liver Disease
mnx of alcohol withdrawal
Chlordiazepoxide (“Librium”)
(a benzodiazepine)
IV high-dose B vitamins (pabrinex)
followed by a regular lower dose PO thiamine
Alcoholic Liver Disease
how is chlordiazepoxide given
orally as a reducing regime titrated to the required dose based on the local alcohol withdrawal protocol (e.g. 10 – 40 mg every 1 – 4 hours).
continued for 5-7 days.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
why does it lead to thiamine (Vit B1) deficiency
- thiamine is poorly absorbed in the presence of alcohol
- alcoholics tend to have poor diets and rely on the alcohol for their calories
Alcoholic Liver Disease
features of Wernicke’s encephalopathy
- confusion
- oculomotor disturbances
- ataxia
Alcoholic Liver Disease
what comes after Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Korsakoff’s syndrome (often irreversible)
Volvulus
what is it
bowel twists around itself and the mesentery that it is attached to
Volvulus
what are the 2 main types
- sigmoid volvulus
- caecal volvulus
Volvulus
which type is more common and tends to affect older patients
sigmoid volvulus
Volvulus
what is a key cause of sigmoid volvulus (2)
chronic constipation
lengthening of the mesentery attached to the sigmoid colon