Intestinal malrotation

An entire spectrum of rotational and fixation disturbances that can occur during embryonic development.

The anatomical variant that poses the highest risk of volvulus is a narrow midgut mesenteric base accompanied by lack of retro-peritoneal midgut fixation. This variant cannot be reliably determined from any radiological studies.

Malrotation predisposes patients to a risk of midgut volvulus.

Emergency surgical consultation is appropriate before obtaining any diagnostic studies if midgut volvulus is suspected. Upper GI contrast studies should be ordered in patients who are stable.

Treatment is surgical correction, the procedure of choice being the Ladd procedure.

Intestinal malrotation is a term used to describe an entire spectrum of rotational and fixation disturbances that can occur during embryonic development.

Abnormal caecal attachments to the right upper peritoneal cavity (i.e., Ladd’s bands) can cross the second portion of the duodenum creating an extraluminal low-grade obstruction of the duodenum, which may present with signs of partial obstruction. However, the most significant pathological concerns in malrotation are a lack of intestinal fixation to the retro-peritoneum and a narrow midgut mesenteric base that predisposes to a twisting of the small bowel in the form of midgut volvulus. This condition creates an abrupt obstruction of the duodenum, resulting in bilious vomiting.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Malrotation with volvulus causing complete obstruction of the duodenum that does not sweep to the left, as seen on upper GI contrastFrom the collection of Dr S.D. St Peter [Citation ends].

If the twisting at the base also obstructs flow in the superior mesenteric artery, the entire small intestine and proximal colon may become acutely ischaemic and subsequently necrotic within a few hours.

Patients with malrotation are at risk for volvulus and should be identified whenever possible to allow for proper therapy.