Adult Midgut Malrotation With Chronic Volvulus With Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Thrombosis: A Recherche

Intestinal malrotation is primarily a surgical condition of neonates due to abnormal intestinal rotation during fetal development. Usually, the presentation is immediately after birth. Adult midgut malrotation is rare and primarily detected at laparotomy or incidental radiological imaging for various conditions. We report a sporadic case of a 35-year-old male who presented to the surgical outpatient department (OPD) complaining of dull aching abdominal pain after taking meals for two months. He was able to tolerate a liquid diet only and able to carry out his routine work comfortably. In imaging studies, it was found to be a case of midgut malrotation with volvulus and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis with collaterals without features of intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, and a midgut volvulus was identified with Ladd’s bands. He underwent exploratory laparotomy with Ladd’s procedure. Postoperatively symptoms were resolved, and the patient was discharged in stable condition. If intestinal malrotation presents in adults, it is challenging to diagnose it as it presents with atypical symptoms like chronic vague abdominal pain and weight loss. Often radiological correlation is essential to diagnose such patients. For surgical intervention, a laparoscopic approach is considered better in expert hands. Even though the disease has a chronic course, a high index of suspicion should arise when treating such cases of intestinal malrotation in an adult male. Timely surgery can do miracles and prevent catastrophic complications.