Congenital midgut malrotation is a complex gastrointestinal anomaly, which could easily lead to midgut volvulus and gastrointestinal obstruction. Large studies on congenital midgut malrotation in adults are rarely investigated. The current study aimed to explore the clinical profile and diagnostic modalities of congenital midgut malrotation in Chinese adult patients. Clinical and radiological data of eight adult patients with intestinal malrotation were retrospectively analyzed and related literatures were simultaneously reviewed. Mean age of patients was 41.25 years range, 14 to 63 years. Abdominal radiography and computerized tomography (CT) were conducted for all studied patients prior to surgery, and the diagnosis of congenital midgut malrotation was confirmed during surgery. All patients underwent volvulus reduction, Ladd's band loosening, and stage I appendectomy. In addition, three patients received additional extensive intestinal adhesion loosening, and one patient received resection of bowel up to 50 cm. All patients recovered well after surgery, and no recurrence and adhesive intestinal obstruction were reported. All three patients with malnutrition prior to surgery had gained significant weight. Thus, we consider that adult congenital intestinal malrotation accompanied with midgut volvulus should be treated with surgery as soon as possible. Preoperative colour ultrasonography and CT are helpful for definitive diagnosis.
Keywords: Congenital intestinal malrotation; computed tomography; midgut volvulus.