Midgut Volvulus: A Rare but Fatal Cause of Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy-How Can We Diagnose and Prevent Mortality?

Eelyn Chong; David S Liu; Neil Strugnell; Vishnupriya Rajagopal; Krinal K Mori

doi:10.1155/2020/2185290

Midgut Volvulus: A Rare but Fatal Cause of Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy-How Can We Diagnose and Prevent Mortality?

Obstet Gynecol Int. 2020 May 26:2020:2185290. doi: 10.1155/2020/2185290. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Eelyn Chong¹, David S Liu², Neil Strugnell², Vishnupriya Rajagopal¹, Krinal K Mori²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Northern Hospital, 185 Copper Street, Epping 3076, VIC, Australia.
² Department of General Surgery, The Northern Hospital, 185 Copper Street, Epping 3076, VIC, Australia.

Abstract

Midgut volvulus in pregnancy is rare but life-threatening, resulting in high maternal and fetal mortality. This surgical emergency commonly masquerades as symptoms of pregnancy, which together with its low incidence often leads to delay in diagnosis and definitive treatment. Here, we review the last three decades of the literature, discuss the challenges in managing this rare condition, and raise awareness among clinicians to minimise loss of life.

Publication types

Review