Normal intestinal rotation with non-fixation: a cause of chronic abdominal pain

The majority of clinically significant gastrointestinal rotational anomalies involve:(1) an arrest of rotation about the superior mesenteric vessels, (2) abnormal peritoneal bands, and (3) obstruction with or without volvulus. Between 1973 and 1978, six children had chronic intermittent volvulus secondary to a nonfixed but normally-rotated intestine; this is 10% of all infants and children treated for malrotation in our hospital during the same period. Barium studies showed normal duodenojejunal configuration and a colon that was normally situated on at least one study. All were labeled as functional complainers by their pediatricians. One died of a volvulus because her complaints were appreciated too late. At laparotomy, evidence of chronic intermittent volulus secondary to nonfixation from the ligament of Treitz to the transverse colon was found in all patients. A Ladd procedure with appendectomy was performed and immediate resolution of symptoms was noted in each surviving child. Children with a story of chronic abdominal pain deserve a carefully interpreted history and radiographic examination before being labeled as chronic complainers.