Midgut volvulus secondary to congenital malrotation in pregnancy

BMJ Case Rep. 2020 May 14;13(5):e234664. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-234664.

Abstract

Midgut volvulus complicating congenital malrotation is a rare but life-threatening condition that can occur in pregnancy. We present a case of intestinal infarction resulting from midgut volvulus in a healthy 32-week pregnant woman who underwent emergency laparotomy and small bowel resection in the setting of fetal death in utero. This case highlights several challenging issues in diagnosing and managing this uncommon condition which leads to increased adverse perinatal outcomes. Prompt investigation and definitive surgical treatment are required when pregnant women present with bilious vomiting and new-onset abdominal or back pain especially beyond the first trimester.

Keywords: gastrointestinal surgery; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Digestive System Abnormalities / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Volvulus / surgery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery*

Supplementary concepts

  • Volvulus Of Midgut