Morbidity of rotational abnormalities of the gut beyond infancy

ABSTRACT

Nine cases of rotational abnormalities of the gut diagnosed after infancy are presented. Eight of the 9 patients had chronic episodic symptoms and 2 patients with life-long symptoms were diagnosed only when acute midgut volvulus with infarction occurred. Rotational abnormalities of the gut in older children, although uncommon, may be associated with morbidity of long duration, and occasionally mortality. Surgical correction is indicated when a rotational abnormality is identified that is symptomatic or prone to the complication of midgut volvulus because of its anatomic characteristics.