Anomalies of gut rotation mimicking appendicitis in the adult

Malrotation in the adult can mimic acute appendicitis. A complete abdominal exploration is needed to find any obstructing bands or midgut volvulus. The difference between mixed rotation, which usually presents with midgut voluvlus and or duodenal obstruction, and nonrotation, which is usually asymptomatic or presents with intermittent attacks of abdominal pain, is stressed. Therapy is recommended according to the type of defect present.