A Case of Transverse Colon Volvulus With Hemoperitoneum in Menkes Disease
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Menkes disease is an X-linked recessive disorder of copper metabolism resulting in impaired activity of lysyl oxidase, a cuproenzyme essential for collagen and elastin cross-linking. The resulting connective tissue fragility underlies many phenotypic features of the disease. We report the case of a 23-year-old man with Menkes disease who developed massive hemoperitoneum secondary to transverse colon volvulus around an intra-abdominal adhesion band. We hypothesize that copper-dependent connective tissue abnormalities predisposed this patient to adhesion formation. This case highlights a potential mechanistic link between copper transport deficiency, abnormal peritoneal healing, and life-threatening gastrointestinal complications.
Authors: Kena J. Lemu, Jinye Liu, Saeed S. Graham
Institutions: East Carolina University, Baptist Health Floyd
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7129286227