Delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with intrathoracic gastric volvulus

Ramazan Karabulut1, Zafer Türkyilmaz, Kaan Sönmez

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Medical Faculty, 06500, Ankara, Turkey. karabulutr@yahoo.com

Insights

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare but life-threatening obstruction in children. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent gastric necrosis and ensure favorable outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare upper gastrointestinal obstruction caused by abnormal stomach rotation.
  • Intrathoracic GV, particularly with delayed congenital diaphragmatic hernia, presents unique diagnostic and management challenges in infants.

Observation:

  • A 16-month-old infant presented with recurrent projectile vomiting and epigastric pain, initially resolving then recurring.
  • Physical examination revealed epigastric fullness and a palpable mass.
  • Radiological studies, including barium contrast, confirmed mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus.

Findings:

  • Laparotomy revealed non-necrotic intrathoracic gastric volvulus with an intrathoracic spleen and a large left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
  • Surgical repair involved diaphragmatic repair, gastropexy, and splenopexy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering intrathoracic gastric volvulus in infants with unexplained vomiting and diaphragmatic abnormalities.
  • Timely diagnosis via upper gastrointestinal studies and CT scans is critical.
  • Prompt surgical management is essential to prevent gastric ischemia and ensure patient survival.
Abstract

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