[Gastric volvulus in children]

Until 1980, 300 cases of gastric volvulus had been reported in the literature. Of these only 50 had presented in children. The disease is considered rare. We reviewed our experience at Sainte-Justine, in the last 30 years and found 10 cases, all of which diagnosed since 1980. Four patients were under one year of age. The other six were between 3 and 17 years old. In five the presentation was acute and three had had similar previous episodes. In 5 patients the presentation was chronic and in four of these the symptoms dated from birth. Seven associated anomalies were present in 6 cases. Diagnosis was made by x-rays. Eight patients were treated successfully with gastropexy. One premature baby was treated medically. Perhaps this entity is more common than generally thought. It should be suspected in an infant with regurgitation or vomiting and failure to thrive, and in a child with chronic, intermittent or acute upper abdominal pain and distension.