Delayed presentation of malrotation and midgut volvulus: imaging findings

Emerg Radiol. 2007 Nov;14(6):379-82. doi: 10.1007/s10140-007-0662-5. Epub 2007 Aug 21.

Abstract

Midgut volvulus presenting outside the neonatal period often manifests with less than classic findings. One must be ever vigilant for any deviation from normal when imaging the gastrointestinal tract in these patients. Plain films often are noncontributory, and gastrointestinal imaging findings frequently are subtle and not exactly the same as those seen in classic cases in the neonatal period. Cases are presented illustrating the following: abnormal but less than classic small bowel location and configuration, malabsorption and fortuitous spiraling of a nasogastric tube, viral gastroenteritis and pseudo intussusception, intractable vomiting and dehydration with abnormal cecal position, and duodenal obstruction: pseudo SMA syndrome. Fortunately, one now can confirm one's suspicions with computed tomography and ultrasound in terms of determining whether the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein positions are normal or reversed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Duodenal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Duodenal Obstruction / etiology
  • Gastroenteritis / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Volvulus / complications
  • Intestinal Volvulus / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestine, Small / abnormalities*
  • Intussusception / complications
  • Intussusception / diagnostic imaging
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / diagnostic imaging
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / etiology
  • Mesenteric Artery, Superior / abnormalities
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Torsion Abnormality / complications
  • Torsion Abnormality / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography