Acute primary mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus in a 6 years old child; the contribution of ultrasonographic findings to the prompt diagnosis (a case report and review of the literature).

The aim of the present case study is to raise concern on the proper diagnostic approach of acute gastric volvulus (AGV) cases, in which, the key issue is the timely diagnosis and the prompt therapeutic intervention. After thorough and systematic research of the current literature, it is concluded that early diagnosis remains challenging, while there is no relevant publication with emphasis on the contribution of ultrasonography to the diagnostic documentation of AGV. A 6 years old boy was admitted to our Department due to repeatedly non bilious vomiting and food refusal during the last 72 hours before admission. Physical examination revealed the presence of a spherical, painful mass in the epigastrium, which did not recede a er placement of a nasogastric tube. Abdominal radiography showed the presence of a large gastric air bubble. Ultrasonography highlighted a distended and fluid-filled stomach, which was displaced in a cephalic position compared to esophagus and a pylorus pointing downward, in a cranial caudal orientation. Following barium meal examination confirmed the diagnosis of gastric volvulus. Patient underwent an urgent exploratory laparotomy, revealing the presence of acute mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus with a serosal ecchymosis in the major arc. After restoration of the gastric volvulus, thorough intraoperative investigation on the existence of a subject cause followed. Presence of relaxation of stomach's ligaments was finally documented. Fixation of the stomach' fundus to the diaphragm and anterior gastropexy were then conducted. Postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged home on the 4th postoperative day. In conclusion, we believe that ultrasonography plays a significant role in the diagnostic approach of acute gastric volvulus, as it has the potential to detect findings suggestive of the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is suspected on ultrasonography, contrast series should be performed, without further delay, in order to con rm the diagnosis.