Malrotation of the intestines
Malrotation is a birth defect (congenital) caused by the incorrect positioning of a fetus's intestines in the abdomen while the fetus is still in the uterus. Malrotation can cause sudden twisting of the intestines.
Most infants with malrotation develop symptoms during the first month of life. Symptoms include:
- Vomiting of blood or green liquid (bile).
- A swollen abdomen.
- Poor feeding.
- Weight loss.
- Crying and fussiness.
It is a medical emergency if an infant is vomiting blood or green liquid.
If malrotation of the intestines causes symptoms, surgery usually is required to correct the position of the intestines.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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