Prenatal Ultrasound Screening of Intestinal Malrotation With a Higher Risk of Volvulus

The aim of this study was to assess the value of an unusual relative position of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) to screen intestinal malrotation with a higher risk of volvulus.

First, feasibility study was done to prove the reproducibility of ultrasound in diagnosis of anormal mesenteric vessels position.

A systematic screening of the mesenteric vessels position was performed at each pregnancy required ultrasound.

When the fœtus had an unusual position of the mesenteric vessels, an MRI was suggested between 30 and 35 GA and the couple met the pediatric surgery team.

Few days after birth, an abdominal ultrasound was achieved as well as a barium enema and upper gastrointestinal. If there were a hight probability of malrotation with a higher risk of volvulus, a prophylactic surgery was proposed. The children were flollowed up during 1 year.