3 × 109 and a neutrophilia of 7.0 × 109. A chest radiograph did not reveal air under the diaphragm. Abdominal radiograph showed non-dilated gas filled loops of bowel in the central and upper abdominal regions. The diagnosis remained elusive until an emergency computed tomography (CT) scan (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4) was obtained which demonstrated features of malrotation. The duodenum selleck chemical was malpositioned below and to the right of the ascending

colon and hepatic flexure. The caecum was located in the left upper quadrant. There were also a few dilated loops of small bowel in the upper abdomen. Figure 1 CT scan showing caecum on the left side of the abdomen and terminal ileum entering the caecum from the right side. Figure 2 CT scan showing inverse relationship of SMA to SMV (a-artery and v-vein). Figure 3 CT scan showing lack of progression of the duodenum across the aorta and the spines (D-duodenum). Figure 4 CT scan showing most of the small bowel on the right side of the abdomen. The patient was resuscitated with intravenous fluids, analgesia and prepared for an emergency exploratory laparotomy. The findings at operation included dilated small bowel in the upper abdomen, partial torsion and necrosis of the greater omentum, the caecum was on the left side of the abdomen tethered by torted omentum, and loops

of small bowel occupying the right paracolic gutter and the right iliac fossa. There were fibrous bands over the distal part of the duodenum, on the right side of the abdomen, confirming midgut malrotation (Figures 5 & 6). Figure Inhibitor Library research buy 5 Photograph showing high caecum and appendix located on the left side of the abdomen. Figure 6 Graphical representation of the intra-operative findings. The twisted, necrotic omentum was excised, the congenital bands were divided and an appendicectomy was carried out. The anatomical malrotation was left uncorrected. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged home on the fifth day post- surgery. On follow up he was well and there had been no late complications. He had

returned Mannose-binding protein-associated serine protease to his premorbid level of function and did not report any symptom recurrence. Discussion and review of the literature Initial presentation of symptomatic midgut malrotation is rare in adults. However, a significant number of cases remain quiescent during childhood. Incidental diagnosis may then occur in adulthood; when imaging investigations are carried out for other symptoms or, during surgery for unrelated pathology. It has been reported that the incidence of malrotation in adults is approximately 0.2%. However, it is probable that this rate will rise with future developments in diagnostic imaging. It is difficult to ascertain the true incidence, but evidence from post mortem studies suggest that gut malrotation may affect up to 1 in 6000 [3, 4].