Infantile Bowel Obstruction in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis and Polysplenia: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Infantile intestinal obstruction is a critical surgical emergency.
• Situs inversus totalis (complete reversal of visceral organs) and polysplenia (multiple spleens) are rare congenital anomalies.
• The co-occurrence of these conditions with intestinal obstruction presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

• A 2-month-old male infant presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
• Imaging and surgical findings revealed intestinal malrotation and volvulus.
• The small intestine was encased in a thin, translucent omental sac, a highly unusual finding.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited situs inversus totalis, polysplenia, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Intestinal obstruction was confirmed to be caused by malrotation and volvulus.
• This represents the first reported case combining all these specific anomalies and complications.

Implications:

• This case highlights the complex interplay between congenital anomalies and gastrointestinal emergencies.
• Management strategies for such rare conditions require a multidisciplinary approach.
• Further research into the embryological origins and clinical management of these combined anomalies is warranted.