Intestinal volvulus caused by a persistent omphalomesenteric band: report of one case

Persistent omphalomesenteric band is a rare cause of volvulus or intestinal obstruction. A 7-month-old male infant was brought to this Emergency Room after having shown poor appetite for three days, frequent bilious vomiting, and fever for half a day. Physical examination revealed the infant was dehydrated and had slight abdominal distension as well as hypoactive bowel sounds with a tender, ill-defined mass over right lower quadrant. Radiography and sonography were consistent with distal small bowel obstruction. Emergent laparotomy was done and a fibrous band found extending from the anti-mesenteric border of the ileum to the posterior wall of the umbilicus. Small bowel volvulus had occurred around the band and dilated small bowel was noted. An understanding of the embryologic development of these structures and their normal disappearance may assist pediatricians and surgeons to make the correct diagnosis and select the right pathoanatomic approach in surgery.