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Gastric torsion.
E R Reddy1, H Onyett, G W Fitzgerald
1Department of Radiology, Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, Newfoundland.
Summary
A rare case of intrathoracic stomach torsion in an infant caused vomiting and respiratory distress. Prompt diagnosis and surgical correction of this gastric volvulus complication are vital for infant survival.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Infantile alimentary tract obstruction presents with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Respiratory distress in neonates can indicate serious underlying conditions.
Observation:
- A seven-week-old infant presented with acute vomiting and respiratory distress.
- Radiological imaging revealed intrathoracic mesenteroaxial gastric torsion.
- The gastric volvulus was associated with a large hiatus hernia containing small bowel and colon, causing partial colonic obstruction.
Findings:
- Intrathoracic mesenteroaxial gastric torsion is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction in infants.
- This condition can mimic other causes of respiratory distress and vomiting.
- The presence of a large hiatus hernia complicated the gastric volvulus and led to partial colonic obstruction.
Implications:
- Early recognition of gastric volvulus in infants is crucial for timely intervention.
- Surgical correction of intrathoracic gastric torsion and associated hiatus hernia is essential to prevent complications.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive radiological assessment in infants with unexplained respiratory distress and vomiting.