Abstract
A 14-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. On physical examination, his abdomen was tender around the umbilicus. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) showed a whirlpool sign and an SMV rotation sign. A midgut volvulus with malrotation was diagnosed ; emergency surgery was done. During surgery, a midgut volvulus was identified ; there was no intestinal necrosis. The intestine was repositioned, Ladd's ligament was cut, and an appendectomy was done. The patient was discharged six days postop. A whirlpool sign and an SMV rotation sign on either US or CT are characteristic findings in these types of patients. US is considered to be useful for diagnosing midgut volvulus, since it is associated with less injury and easily can be repeated at the bedside. Therefore, we would recommend the use of US for patients presenting with vomiting.
