How is intussusception different from volvulus?

Volvulus also causes a bowel blockage (obstruction), but it is different to intussusception in that the bowel twists around itself rather than being caught up inside itself. A loop of bowel gets wound around another part of bowel along with the tissue that surrounds it (mesentery).

How is midgut volvulus diagnosed?

Ultrasound is both an effective and sensitive way to diagnose malrotation and midgut volvulus. The sensitivity ranges from 92% to 100%. Previous reports have focused on identifying the “whirlpool sign;” ie, swirling of the mesenteric vessels in clockwise direction, as the transducer is moved craniocaudally.

How is volvulus malrotation diagnosed?

To confirm a diagnosis of intestinal malrotation, patients have various blood tests and diagnostic imaging studies done. These tests include: Abdominal X-ray – Reveals any intestinal obstruction. Barium swallow upper GI test – Examines the small intestine for abnormalities and to check the position of the jejunum.

What diagnostic test is used to diagnose intussusception?

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order: Ultrasound or other abdominal imaging. An ultrasound, X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan may reveal intestinal obstruction caused by intussusception. Imaging will typically show a “bull’s-eye,” representing the intestine coiled within the intestine.

Are you born with volvulus?

A volvulus is caused by the malrotation. It causes the small intestine to twist around the superior mesenteric artery. Not everyone who is born with a malrotation will develop a volvulus.

Can intussusception fix itself?

It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Sometimes intussusception will repair itself while a child has a barium enema. In many cases, the healthcare provider can correct the problem by giving an air enema or saline enema. This is done by placing a small tube in your child’s rectum.

Is midgut volvulus an emergency?

Midgut volvulus is a surgical emergency that can quickly lead to bowel necrosis, sepsis, and death. Prompt diagnosis is therefore crucial for these patients.

How common is midgut volvulus?

Introduction. Midgut volvulus secondary to intestinal malrotation is a rare cause of an acute abdomen in adults, with 92 confirmed cases in the literature. Incidence of malrotation is estimated 1 in 6000 live births. 64–80% of malrotation cases present in the first month of life and 90% within the first year.

Can you be born with a twisted bowel?

Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect. It happens when your baby’s intestinal tract doesn’t form as it should during pregnancy. Malrotation happens when your baby’s intestine doesn’t turn like it should. This can cause a problem called a volvulus after your baby is born.

What does adult intussusception feel like?

In adults, intussusception is usually accompanied with intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, melena, weight loss, and fever. Abdominal pain is considered to be the most common symptom, presenting in 70-100% of cases [15].

Can a child have intussusception and midgut volvulus?

Intussusception can be a challenging diagnosis depending on the age of the child and the clinical presentation.

When does a midgut volvulus of malrotated bowel occur?

A midgut volvulus of malrotated bowel can potentially occur at any age but in approximately 75% of cases occur within a month of birth 4,6.

What is the prognosis for midgut volvulus?

In cases where no ischemia of the bowel is present, and the child is otherwise well, the prognosis is extremely good. Overall a mortality of 3-9% is reported 6 . Small bowel obstruction for adhesions is seen a distant complication in 5-10% of cases. Vomiting in infancy has numerous causes and needs to be distinguished from normal possetting.

What are the signs and symptoms of volvulus?

Volvulus occurs when a loop of intestine twists around itself and the mesentery that supplies it, causing a bowel obstruction. Symptoms include abdominal distension, pain, vomiting, constipation, and bloody stools. The onset of symptoms may be insidious or sudden.