An unusual cause of duodenal obstruction in adults

Intestinal malrotation refers to a spectrum of anomalies of midgut rotation and fixation at various stages during early embryonic development. In adults, malrotation manifests itself mainly in chronic non-specific abdominal complaints and may therefore be easily misdiagnosed beyond infancy.

We present a case of an 82-year-old Caucasian man with vomiting and abdominal pain owing to malrotation complicated by duodenal obstruction and intestinal ischaemia confirmed by radiologic evaluation and autopsy report.

Although intestinal malrotation is generally discovered near birth, our case demonstrates that physicians should consider this diagnosis at advanced age as well. In addition, particularly radiologic findings are supportive in diagnosing malrotation.