children s health issues
Intestinal Malrotation
Introduction
Intestinal malrotation is a potentially life-threatening Overview of Birth Defects in which the intestines do not move into their normal location in the abdomen as the fetus is developing. The cause of this defect is not known. Typical symptoms when obstruction occurs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and swelling. The diagnosis is based on different kinds of x-rays. Intestinal malrotation with a twisted loop of intestine (volvulus) is an emergency that requires surgery. Malrotation can cause the intestines to be blocked. Because the small intestine is not anchored as it should be, it may twist (volvulus), cutting off the blood supply to the intestines. Why the intestines do not move into the correct location in the abdomen is not known. Infants with intestinal malrotation often have other birth defects. Although malrotation occurs in infants, it can also occur during early childhood or in adulthood. In some people, malrotation is found incidentally as part of an evaluation for another problem. (See also Overview of Digestive Tract Birth Defects .) 