Intestinal Malrotation, Mesocolic Hernia, and Meckel Diverticulum – Differential Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain in Adults: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital anomaly caused by incomplete rotation or absence of rotation of the primitive intestine along the axis of the upper mesenteric artery during embryonic development. Embryonic development and its anatomical variations were described by Dott in 1923.

Intestinal malrotation is a rare condition among adults – prevalent in a mere 0.0001% to 0.19% of the population –, and it may be associated with other anatomical deformities. It can be asymptomatic or manifest with varying intensity, from obstruction to necrosis of intestinal segments. In general, this abnormality is diagnosed in the first year of life; however, symptoms may appear later in life, making diagnosis in adults difficult on account of non-specific symptoms.

In the present study, we report a case of intestinal malrotation associated with chronic non-specific symptoms progressing to mesenteric angina.

Keywords

intestinal malrotation - Meckel diverticulum - intestinal angina - Ladd procedure - chronic abdominal pain

Introduction

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital abnormality caused by incomplete rotation or absence of rotation of the primitive intestine along the axis of the upper mesenteric artery during embryonic development.[1] [2] [3] Embryonic development and its anatomical variations were described by Dott in 1923.[4]

Intestinal malrotation is a rare condition among adults – prevalent in a mere 0.0001% to 0.19% of the population –, and it may be associated with other anatomical deformities.[5] It can be asymptomatic or manifest with varying intensity, from obstruction to necrosis of intestinal segments. In general, this abnormality is diagnosed in the first year of life; however, symptoms may appear later in life, making diagnosis in adults difficult on account of non-specific symptoms.[3] [6]

In the present study, we report a case of intestinal malrotation associated with chronic non-specific symptoms progressing to mesenteric angina.

Case Report

A 65-year-old woman complaining of chronic, intermittent abdominal pain for 5 years, with greater intensity in the umbilical region; the pain worsened after eating. The symptoms intensified, and the patient checked into the emergency room. The cramp-like pain only relieved with the administration prescription opioids. The patient had been submitted to a previous hysterectomy due to myomatosis, and she reported bowel obstruction for the previous five years, which was treated conservatively by her attending physician. The patient avoided large meals because they caused pain, and had lost weight due to intermittent fasting.

The patient was in good physical condition, with a globose abdomen, the presence of borborygmus, tympanitic to percussion, and pain reported upon deep palpation in the umbilical and hypogastric regions. There were no signs of peritonitis.

A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed diverticulosis, twisting of the mesenteric vessels in the umbilical and hypogastric regions with surrounding fat planes blurred and small satellite lymph nodes, and discrete distension of bowel loops in the right iliac fossa.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiogram ([Figures 1] and [2]) showed twisting of the mesenteric vessels in the umbilical and hypogastric regions at the midline, suggesting an internal hernia, without signs of bowel obstruction.

Fig. 1 Twisting of the mesenteric vessels on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggesting intestinal malrotation.

Fig. 2 Twisting of the mesenteric vessels on MRI suggesting intestinal malrotation.

An exploratory laparotomy revealed mesenteric torsion of 720° around the superior mesenteric artery ([Figure 3]), 260 cm from the ileocecal valve (ICV), presence of Meckel diverticulum ([Figure 4]) 40 cm from the angle of Treitz, and upper cecum with minimum epiploic adhesions. Additional diverticula were found in the large intestine without complications. The Ladd procedure was performed to untwist the mesentery, no evidence loops were affected, mesenteric defect sutured, diverticulectomy with linear stapler and TACTICAL appendectomy.

Fig. 3 Mesenteric torsion of 720° around the superior mesenteric artery.

Fig. 4 Meckel diverticulum.

The patient discharged on the third postoperative day; she was assymptomatic six months following procedure, and remains in outpatient follow-up.

Discussion

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital anomaly caused by the non rotation and fixation of the mesentery or their incomplete rotation along the posterior abdominal wall during embryonic development. It is characterized by the duodenojejunal flexure positioned on the right side of the abdominal cavity, the cecum, and the ascending colon along the midline or left side of the cavity. There is also a narrowing and shortening of the mesentery, which may lead to volvulus and peritoneal stalks (Ladd bands), which can compress the duodenum and cause chronic duodenal obstruction.[7]

This malformation comprises different subtypes: non-rotation, malrotation, reverse rotation, and mesocolic hernia. It is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies, most commonly intestinal atresia, Meckel diverticulum, intussusception, Hirschsprung disease, congenital heart disease, and anorectal malformations. In the case herein reported, the malformation was associated with Meckel diverticulum.[8]

It is estimated that 1 in 500 newborns present intestinal malrotation;[8] 80% of the cases become symptomatic within the first month of life, and 90% are diagnosed within the first year.[9]

It is a rare disease in adults, reported in just 0.0001% to 0.19%[4] [8] of the population; however, as most of the affected adult population is asymptomatic or presents non-specific symptoms, this number may be underestimated. The malformation is reported equally for men and women.

In newborns, symptoms like bowel obstruction with bilious vomiting are frequent; cases in adults are mostly asymptomatic. Some patients report chronic abdominal discomfort with no apparent cause, and the pain is commonly attributed to other pathologies prevalent in this age group.[9] [10]

In symptomatic cases, symptoms may present acutely or chronically. Vomiting, as well as pain without abdominal distention that may progress to ischemia, with intestinal necrosis and peritonitis, are associated with acute symptoms. In general, a good review of the patient's medical history can help identify the presence of mild, intermittent symptoms prior to an acute episode.

Chronic cases are characterized by vague symptoms, such as cramping and recurrent vomiting,[1] [10] and, similar to the case herein reported, intermittent complaints with acute worsening, but otherwise without other complications.

A high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary to establish a diagnosis, since this is an extremely rare disease, with vague and non-specific symptoms. Therefore, complementary imaging is critical to make a diagnosis.

Contrast radiography of the upper gastrointestinal tract is the gold standard to diagnose intestinal malrotation, with an accuracy between 80% and 100%.[1] These images enable the identification of the duodenojejunal flexure located to the right of the spinal column. Other tests include contrasted abdominal CT, abdominal ultrasound (US) and angiography/CT angiogram.

The treatment of adult patients with intestinal malrotation depends on the form of the initial presentation. In cases of acute presentation, with signs of peritonitis or general involvement, surgical intervention is required once the patient has been stabilized.

In chronic cases, there is no standard approach; the treatment may be symptomatic or surgical.[11] [12] Patients with this condition are considered candidates for further progression to bowel obstruction, with ischemia or intestinal necrosis. Given the risks, some professionals recommend performing elective laparotomy and the Ladd procedure.[5] [9]

The Ladd procedure has been the most widely-recommended procedure by both general and pediatric surgeons since 1936. It has been proven to improve symptoms and to reduce the risk of volvulus and intestinal ischemia.[13] The surgical procedures vary according to the intraoperative findings and the types of associated malformations, if any.

The Ladd surgery consists of releasing the existing adhesions, mobilizing the duodenum and right colon, releasing and enlarging the pedicle of the upper mesenteric vessels, and performing a prophylactic appendectomy.[14] Other surgical procedures include duodenopexy, cecopexy, and lysis of the adhesions.

the treatment decisions in asymptomatic patients should be based on a case-by-case assessment of associated risks and benefits. In the case herein reported, the patient presented with a previous diagnosis of intestinal malrotation, and the decision was made to pursue watchful waiting. The patient subsequently underwent surgical treatment on account of worsening symptoms, notably pain that could only be controlled trough the administration of prescription opioids and consequent deterioration of the patient's quality of life. Bowel resection was deemed unnecessary, because there was no ischemia/necrosis.

Corrective surgery ensures partial to total relief of symptoms, especially abdominal pain. In the case herein reported, the patient was completely relieved of her symptoms; there was no report of postoperative complications, and the patient returned to her regular eating habits, consequently experiencing a healthy weight gain.

Conclusion

Intestinal malrotation is a pathology often diagnosed in children, but rarely in the adult population. Nonetheless, it is extremely important due to its possible complications, and it should always be considered as a differential diagnosis among patients with chronic and nonspecific abdominal symptoms.

This present report aims to raise awareness of this pathology and the need of their clinical suspicion in cases of non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain in adults. It is also meant to add to the understanding of embryology and abdominal anatomy to contribute to to the rediagnosis of this condition and to treat it as early as possible. More large-scale follow-up studies are needed to determine the best treatment strategy in asymptomatic adults to establish the best recommendations for the Ladd procedure.

Conflict of Interests

The authors have no conflict of interests to declare.

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Publication History

Received: 08 July 2020

Accepted: 15 January 2021

Article published online:
20 September 2021