Sonographic diagnosis of fetal intestinal volvulus with ileal atresia: a case report

J Clin Ultrasound. 2013 May;41(4):255-7. doi: 10.1002/jcu.21896. Epub 2012 May 15.

Abstract

Fetal intestinal volvulus is a rare life-threatening condition usually manifesting after birth with most cases being associated with intestinal malrotation. It appears on prenatal sonography (US) as a twisting of the bowel loops around the mesenteric artery, leading to mechanical obstruction and ischemic necrosis of the bowel. We report a case of intrauterine intestinal volvulus with ileal atresia, suspected when US revealed a typical "whirlpool" sign at 37 weeks' gestation, with a segment of markedly distended bowel loops and small amount of fetal ascites.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileum / abnormalities*
  • Ileum / diagnostic imaging
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Atresia / complications
  • Intestinal Atresia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Volvulus / complications
  • Intestinal Volvulus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*