Megacolon: andean and chagasic variant, similarities and differences

Abstract

Sigma volvulus is a relatively common pathology in the high regions of the Andes, it is known that volvulus can develop from a condition known as megacolon, which has a variable prevalence worldwide. Although megacolon has been classified as congenital and acquired, within this last section Chagas disease has been described as the main etiology, however, many cases are referred to only as idiopathic. South American researchers over the years have described a mechanism that may partly explain these idiopathic cases, the so-called Andean dolichomegacolon. It should be considered that both the Andean dolichomegacolon and the chagasic megacolon have similarity in their clinical presentation, however, their etiology, histopathological characteristics and complications present important differences to consider.