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Intestinal malrotation in a patient with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2
Yuri A Zarate1, Philip E Putnam, Howard M Saal
1Greenwood Genetic Center, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
Insights
Pfeiffer syndrome, a genetic disorder, can rarely cause intestinal malrotation. Early recognition of this complication is crucial for managing feeding issues in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting bone development, characterized by craniosynostosis and limb abnormalities.
- Gastrointestinal complications are not widely recognized as a feature of Pfeiffer syndrome.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old boy with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 experienced delayed diagnosis of intestinal malrotation.
- The patient presented with feeding intolerance and persistent vomiting, indicative of a gastrointestinal issue.
Findings:
- Intestinal malrotation is a rare but significant complication in severe Pfeiffer syndrome.
- This case highlights a previously underreported association between Pfeiffer syndrome and gastrointestinal malrotation.
Implications:
- Recognizing gastrointestinal malrotation is vital for timely diagnosis and management in Pfeiffer syndrome patients.
- This underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Pfeiffer syndrome.
Abstract:
Pfeiffer syndrome is a pleiotropic disorder characterized by multiple suture craniosynostosis, broad and medially deviated thumbs and great toes, and variable cutaneous syndactyly. We present the case of a 16-month-old boy with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 who presented with intestinal malrotation for which the diagnosis was delayed. This is a rare complication of Pfeiffer syndrome, with few reported cases in the literature. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing gastrointestinal malrotation as a possible cause of feeding intolerance and persistent vomiting in patients with the severe forms of Pfeiffer syndrome.
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