Intestinal malrotation during pregnancy: Cause of acute occlusive abdomen

Abstract

Background:

Intestinal malrotation in a pregnant woman is uncommon. The incidence of occlusion is low and volvulus are more frequent in the third trimester of pregnancy. The poor symptom specificity makes early diagnosis and treatment more complex prompt. The association of these diseases is considered potentially lethal for mother and child.

Objective:

To describe the case of a patient with intestinal occlusion due to intestinal volvulus thin and malrotation in the course of pregnancy.

Case report:

23-year-old patient, primigravida, with 24.4 weeks of gestation, with previous abdominal pains; She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on suspicion of acute abdomen in pregnancy. After imaging and laboratory studies, it was decided her surgical intervention with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis intraoperative was small intestine volvulus and type I intestinal malrotation, she underwent devolvulation and operation of Ladd. The evolution was favorable and the pregnancy was preserved.

Conclusions:

Intestinal malrotation complicated by an occlusion in the course of Pregnancy is rare and delayed diagnosis may have unfavorable implications for the evolution of the mother and her future child. Difficulties in diagnosing this disease is a concern of the scientific community and should be suspected in pregnant women who present symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction and alterations in imaging studies.