Yonsei Med J.  2005 Feb;46(1):189-191. 10.3349/ymj.2005.46.1.189.

Asymptomatic Tubular Duplication of the Transverse Colon in an Adult

• Kim YW
• Kim J
• Lee KY
• Kim NK
• Cho CH

• KMID: 2158135
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2005.46.1.189

Abstract

Colonic duplication is a rare congenital anomaly of the alimentary tract. In most cases, symptomatic duplications of the colon are recognized and treated by childhood. It is uncommon for these lesions to be detected in the adulthood since they present with vague symptoms if at all. We experienced a case of asymptomatic tubular duplication of the transverse colon in a 40-year-old female. Barium enema revealed a tubular duplication of the transverse colon. The duplicated segment arose from the mid ascending colon and incorporated just proximal to the splenic flexure, running parallel to the transverse colon and communicating with it at both ends. Colonoscopy demonstrated a normal colonic mucosa in the duplicated segment. The diameter of its lumen gradually narrowed proximally and the colonoscope could not be passed through the proximal opening of the segment. The patient did not need any treatment. Duplications of the alimentary tract can be found at any age. The possibility of congenital lesions in the adult population should not be overlooked.

Keyword

Transverse colon; duplication; tubular; communicating; adult

MeSH Terms

Adult
Colon, Transverse/*abnormalities/radiography
Colonoscopy
Female
Humans
Intestinal Mucosa/cytology

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A. Barium enema showing the transverse colon and the duplicated segment. The duplicated segment is a tubular structure similar to the transverse colon in appearance and diameter. The lumen communicates with the transverse colon at both ends. B. Diagram illustrating the tubular duplication of the transverse colon. The duplicated segment (D) begins at the mid ascending colon and passes across the abdomen into the splenic flexure.

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  Fig. 2 A. Colonoscopic findings. Colonoscopy showing two lumens at the splenic flexure. The distal part of the duplicated segment (▲) communicates with the proper lumen and shows grossly normal colonic mucosa. B. Colonoscopic findings. The proximal opening to the duplicated segment on the mid ascending colon is shown. The colonoscope could not be passed through this opening.

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