Recurrent Vomiting and Epigastric Pain Attacks in an Adult Patient With Colonic Malrotation

Intestinal malrotation occurs when there is a disruption of normal embryological development of bowel. Recurrent abdominal pain due to bowel obstruction associated with adhesions is the most common clinical presentation. The majority of patients present with clinical findings in childhood. Its diagnosis is mainly based on radiologic imaging methods. Surgery is the treatment of choice for these patients. The success of treatment and prevention of complications depends on an accurate diagnosis and exact localization of colonic and intestinal anatomy. Herein, we report a 39-year-old man having intermittent attacks of nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain starting from the onset of childhood. His last attack was associated with acute pancreatitis as well. He was diagnosed with colonic malrotation on radiological examinations. Surgical resection of Ladd’s bands was successful in relieving further attacks of bowel obstruction and acute pancreatitis. We discussed this case with a short review of relevant literature. J Med Cases. 2014;5(5):267-269 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc1742w