Establishing a Causal Link between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Literature

The link between ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease is unclear, however it is hypothesized that there is a causal link between the inheritance of a human leukocyte antigen B27 allele and the development of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis patients. Research articles assessing the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease and the human leukocyte antigen B27 antigen were collected from the PubMed database. Patients expressing the human leukocyte antigen B27 allele have a demonstrated predisposition to developing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and sacroiliitis in ankylosing spondylitis. However, human leukocyte antigen B27 is considered to be just a contributing factor in the disease, as interleukin-23, natural killer cells, and alterations to the microbiome have also demonstrated an active role in the development of symptoms. More longitudinal studies using larger cohorts are needed to further substantiate a direct causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease

Recurrent Volvulus during Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction. Sigmoid colon volvulus (SV) represents the most common etiology of antepartum gastrointestinal obstruction, with repetitive antepartum episodes rarely reported. Case Presentation. A 25-year-old multiparous patient with history of SV at 26 weeks in her previous pregnancy presented with recurrent episodes of SV at 32 0/7, 32 4/7, 37 0/7, and 38 1/7 weeks successfully managed with colonoscopic decompression. Labor was successfully induced at 38 4/7 weeks, and she experienced two further episodes on postpartum days #1 and #32 also treated with colonoscopic decompression, followed by laparoscopic resection. Conclusion. Successful treatment of antepartum SV with colonoscopic decompression does not preclude recurrence later in gestation and in future pregnancies