Intestinal malrotation

<p>Intestinal malrotation is a <a href="/facts/Congenital/ESfzQhTx">congenital</a> anomaly of rotation of the <a href="/facts/Midgut/n6Ewuzfk">midgut</a>. It occurs during the first trimester as the fetal gut undergoes a complex series of growth and development. Malrotation can lead to a dangerous complication called <a href="/facts/Volvulus/6WKvNIPF">volvulus</a>, in which cases emergency surgery is indicated. Malrotation can refer to a spectrum of abnormal intestinal positioning, often including:
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<ul><li>The <a href="/facts/Small_intestine/1AQ8RJ4m">small intestine</a> found predominantly on the right side of the <a href="/facts/Abdomen/HcTzDFL0">abdomen</a></li>
<li>The <a href="/facts/Cecum/SysL1JXX">cecum</a> displaced from its usual position in the <a href="/facts/Right_lower_quadrant/9hYKDQ72">right lower quadrant</a> into the <a href="/facts/Epigastrium/USauNfqu">epigastrium</a> or right <a href="/facts/Hypochondrium/zG6qWJFE">hypochondrium</a></li>
<li>An absent or displaced <a href="/facts/Ligament_of_Treitz/HwgHgkCR">ligament of Treitz</a></li>
<li>Fibrous peritoneal bands called <a href="/facts/Bands_of_Ladd/tjCE3Tlo">bands of Ladd</a> running across the vertical portion of the <a href="/facts/Duodenum/IAIgHBmq">duodenum</a></li>
<li>An unusually narrow, stalk-like <a href="/facts/Mesentery/ax1WaKRp">mesentery</a></li></ul>
<p>The position of the intestines, narrow mesentery and Ladd's bands can contribute to several severe gastrointestinal conditions. The narrow mesentery predisposes some cases of malrotation to midgut volvulus, a twisting of the entire small bowel that can obstruct the <a href="/facts/Mesenteric/ax1WaKRp">mesenteric</a> blood vessels leading to intestinal <a href="/facts/Ischemia/ySL9xbCl">ischemia</a>, <a href="/facts/Necrosis/zCPsTeWx">necrosis</a>, and death if not promptly treated. The fibrous Ladd's bands can constrict the duodenum, leading to intestinal obstruction.
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Intestinal malrotation open-in-new

Intestinal malrotation