Chronic gastric torsion in infancy: a revisited diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Infant Health

Background:

• Chronic gastric torsion is a rare condition characterized by abnormal stomach shape and position.
• Infantile vomiting can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal issues, requiring accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings in infants diagnosed with chronic gastric torsion.
• To determine the association between chronic gastric torsion and other gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 108 infants undergoing upper gastrointestinal X-ray studies over two years.
• Analysis of clinical data, radiological findings, and laboratory results for 20 infants with diagnosed chronic gastric torsion.

Main Results:

• Twenty out of 108 infants (18.5%) were diagnosed with chronic gastric torsion based on characteristic stomach shape and position.
• Chronic gastric torsion was frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux in the studied infant population.
• The condition presented with a wide spectrum of symptoms, complications, and nutritional abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Chronic gastric torsion is a significant finding in infants presenting with vomiting and requires thorough clinical and radiological evaluation.
• The frequent association with gastroesophageal reflux suggests a potential link or shared pathophysiology.
• Early recognition and management are crucial due to the diverse complications and nutritional challenges associated with chronic gastric torsion.