Fetal midgut volvulus presenting at term

This report describes a rare case of intrauterine midgut volvulus that pres ented at term. The pregnancy was uncomplicated. There were no signs of feta l distress or polyhydramnios, and the child was delivered vaginally. This p atient had the unusual presentation in that at the time of delivery, the pa tient was distended and acidotic. She immediately required an extensive res ection of gangrenous small bower. Comparing this case to the 10 other cases of fetal intestinal volvulus that have been reported, it seems this child was particularly fortunate that the volvulus occurred at a point in gestati on when she was mature enough to tolerate birth and surgery. This case is a lso the first demonstration that volvulus can present with abdominal disten sion in the immediate newborn period. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders C ompany.