Midgut Volvulus: A Rare but Fatal Cause of Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy-How Can We Diagnose and Prevent Mortality?

Midgut volvulus in pregnancy is rare but life-threatening, resulting in high maternal and fetal mortality. This surgical emergency commonly masquerades as symptoms of pregnancy, which together with its low incidence often leads to delay in diagnosis and definitive treatment. Here, we review the last three decades of the literature, discuss the challenges in managing this rare condition, and raise awareness among clinicians to minimise loss of life.

Midgut volvulus secondary to congenital malrotation in pregnancy.

Midgut volvulus complicating congenital malrotation is a rare but life-threatening condition that can occur in pregnancy. We present a case of intestinal infarction resulting from midgut volvulus in a healthy 32-week pregnant woman who underwent emergency laparotomy and small bowel resection in the setting of fetal death in utero. This case highlights several challenging issues in diagnosing and managing this uncommon condition which leads to increased adverse perinatal outcomes. Prompt investigation and definitive surgical treatment are required when pregnant women present with bilious vomiting and new-onset abdominal or back pain especially beyond the first trimester.