Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

07:13
Assessing Intracardiac Vortices with High Frame-Rate Echocardiography-Derived Blood Speckle Imaging in Newborns
Published on: December 22, 2023
[Volvulus and intestinal malrotation in the newborn]
1Istituto di Patologia e Terapia Intensiva Neonatale Università degli Studi di Cagliari.
Summary
Midgut malrotation with volvulus is a critical neonatal surgical emergency. Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to prevent mortality and short-gut syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Radiology
Context:
- Midgut malrotation with volvulus presents a severe surgical emergency in neonates.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avert mortality and short-gut syndrome.
- Clinical presentations like bilious vomiting and bloody stools are common, yet physical examination may be unremarkable.
Purpose:
- To emphasize the critical nature of midgut malrotation with volvulus.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by this condition.
- To underscore the need for accurate imaging and timely surgical consultation.
Summary:
- Midgut malrotation with volvulus is a life-threatening neonatal condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.
- Despite common clinical signs like bilious vomiting, diagnosis can be challenging with standard imaging.
- Accurate upper gastrointestinal imaging and prompt pediatric surgical consultation are crucial.
Impact:
- Facilitates understanding of a critical pediatric surgical emergency.
- Improves awareness of diagnostic difficulties in midgut volvulus.
- Promotes timely intervention, potentially reducing mortality and morbidity in affected neonates.
Related Concept Videos
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
