Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Ischemic volvulus of the transverse colon caused by intestinal malrotation: A case report
Mounir Bouali1, Karim Yaqine1, Abdelilah Elbakouri1
1Departement of General Surgery, University Hospital Centre Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco; Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.
Introduction:
Congenital Intestinal malrotation is a complex disorder caused by incomplete or abnormal rotation of the intestine during fetal development. Volvulus of the transverse colon secondary to intestinal malrotation is a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults. It has a high risk of mortality, hence the need for an urgent diagnosis and surgical intervention.
Case Report:
We report an unusual case of volvulus of the transverse colon caused by intestinal malrotation. A 21-year-old women presented abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. On clinical examination, the abdomen was tympanic to percussion with peritoneal sensitivity. The abdominal X-ray revealed a massive obstruction of the distended large intestine with a "U-shaped" loop. He underwent an exploratory laparotomy that revealed the diagnosis of transverse colon volvulus with intestinal malrotation. His condition was treated surgically by transverse colectomy with colostomy. The patient died on the second day following a hemodynamic instability.
Conclusion:
Transverse colonic volvulus is a rare entity with a high mortality, so it requires urgent diagnosis and surgical intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

