Malrotation of the intestines in children: the effect of age on presentation and therapy

Abstract

Because of the devastating consequences of midgut volvulus as a result of malrotation, we reviewed the charts of 70 consecutive children to define the spectrum of presentation. Although 27 patients (39%) had presenting symptoms within the first ten days of life, 35 (50%) were older than 2 months of age. In general, the older children had a longer course of vague, antecedent symptoms such as intermittent, nonbilious vomiting and chronic abdominal pain. Associated congenital anomalies were common, with 32 patients (46%) presenting with 56 anomalies, the most prevalent of which were intestinal atresia, imperforate anus, duodenal web, and cardiac and orthopedic anomalies. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series revealed the diagnosis in 29 cases (41%), as did contrast enema in 24 (34%). It is important to note that volvulus, intestinal gangrene, and mortality occurred regardless of age or chronicity of symptoms. Fifteen patients (21%) were discovered serendipitously while being evaluated and treated for seemingly unrelated conditions. No morbidity of mortality occurred in those patients who underwent subsequent semielective Ladd's procedure. The majority of morbidity and all seven mortalities occurred in patients with volvulus and intestinal necrosis. This study emphasizes the need for consideration of Ladd's procedure for children of all ages. In addition, due to the broad range of initial symptoms, a high index of suspicion is required in evaluating children with possible malrotation. Because it remains impossible to predict which patients will have catastrophic complications (based on age or type of presentation), we urge that even incidentally discovered patients with intestinal malrotation undergo Ladd's procedure.