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March 5, 2026International Journal of Surgery Case Reports0 citationsOpen Access

A rare case of midgut reverse rotation presenting with cecal volvulus in a young adult

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HMHalid MelkamuATAndualem TesemaFNFekadu Negash

Key Points

  • To discuss a rare case of midgut reverse rotation presenting with cecal volvulus in a young adult.
  • Clinical case presentation of a 20-year-old male
  • Emergency exploration and right hemicolectomy performed
  • Utilization of abdominal computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis
  • Patient presented with clinical signs of small bowel obstruction
  • Confirmed case of gangrenous cecal volvulus linked to reverse rotation
  • The condition was identified through CT imaging, emphasizing the need for high suspicion in adults.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Congenital malrotation is a disease that almost exclusively affects newborns. When it is discovered in an adult, which happens seldom, it is usually linked to a protracted history of gastrointestinal problems. Reversed rotation of the midgut is the rarest form of midgut malrotations. Small intestinal obstruction caused by volvulus or peritoneal bands is a common consequence of these conditions that typically manifest in the early stages of infancy. Case presentation: Here, we present a case of 20-year-old young adult male presented with clinical signs and symptoms of small bowel obstruction. He had gangrenous cecal volvulus with reverse rotation of the midgut. We did emergency exploration and right hemicolectomy. Clinical discussion: Reversed rotation of the midgut a condition where the transverse colon lay posteriorly to the superior mesenteric artery, while the third part of the duodenum lay anteriorly. Clinical diagnosis is difficult since both intestinal malrotation and cecal volvulus are rare conditions. As a result, pre-operative diagnosis of volvulus now requires abdominal computed tomography (CT). Literature has described the “whirl” sign, beak sign, intestinal twisting, and volvulus orientation. Surgery is the most effective treatment. Also documented in literature is the option of laparoscopic cecopexy and endoscopic detortion. Conclusion: Reverse rotation of the midgut, though it is a very rare clinical entity, it should be considered as a differential in adults, and it can present with cecal volvulus. High index of suspicion and routine evaluation of suspected intestinal obstruction with CT scan can avoid delay in diagnosis and improve outcomes.

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Cite This Study

Melkamu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a91de0d6127c7a504c11aahttps://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000000306
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