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Gastric volvulus in children: lessons learned from delayed diagnoses
J Ted Gerstle1, Priscilla Chiu, Sherif Emil
1Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Seminars in Pediatric Surgery
|April 8, 2009
Summary
Gastric volvulus in children is rare but serious. Early recognition of clinical and radiologic findings is key to preventing severe complications from this congenital abnormality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Gastric volvulus (twisting of the stomach) is an uncommon condition in pediatric patients.
- It can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Association with diaphragmatic anomalies requires specific diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Observation:
- This study reviews three pediatric cases with severe outcomes.
- It synthesizes findings from these cases and larger series.
- Focus is on acute gastric volvulus, particularly when linked to diaphragmatic defects.
Findings:
- Identifies specific clinical and radiologic signs for early diagnosis.
- Compares and contrasts different types of gastric volvulus.
- Highlights potential for early recognition to prevent complications.
Implications:
- Expedited diagnosis and treatment can avert major adverse outcomes in children.
- Understanding diagnostic clues aids in managing this rare foregut obstruction.
- Improved management strategies for pediatric gastric volvulus are proposed.
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