Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
05:50

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Gastric torsion: Not such a rare entity

M F Omojola1, K K Patil, J K Iyengar

  • 1Departments of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, and Department of Surgery, Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|March 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Chronic gastric torsion, a rare condition causing persistent stomach pain and vomiting, requires a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis. Early recognition through upper gastrointestinal series is crucial for effective management in both children and adults.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Chronic gastric torsion is a rare but serious condition affecting both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Symptoms can be non-specific, leading to diagnostic delays.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management of chronic gastric torsion.
  • To emphasize the importance of recognizing this condition in patients with recurrent abdominal symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of seven patients diagnosed with chronic gastric torsion over 28 months.
  • Diagnostic confirmation using upper gastrointestinal series.
  • Surgical management strategies were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Four pediatric patients (three infants) and three adult patients were identified.
  • Infants presented with projectile vomiting and failure to thrive; adults with epigastric pain and vomiting.
  • Upper gastrointestinal series was diagnostic in all cases, though classic radiographic signs can be subtle.

Conclusions:

  • A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosing chronic gastric torsion, especially in infants with unexplained vomiting and failure to thrive, and adults with recurrent abdominal pain.
  • Upper gastrointestinal series is a key diagnostic tool, ideally performed during symptomatic episodes in adults.
  • Surgical intervention is the definitive management, with varied associated anomalies observed in pediatric cases.

Related Concept Videos

Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Torsion of Noncircular Members01:16

Torsion of Noncircular Members

Circular shafts undergoing torsional stress maintain their cross-sectional integrity due to their axisymmetric nature. This symmetry ensures an even distribution of stress, allowing the shaft to withstand torsion without distorting. In contrast, square bars, lacking this axial symmetry, experience significant distortion across their cross-sections when subjected to torsion, with the exception of along their diagonals and at lines connecting midpoints. A detailed examination of a cubic element...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

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: Pathophysiology01:07

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...