Publication:

Gastric volvulus and wandering spleen: a rare case report

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare disease. The exact incidence of GV is unknown and patients with chronic presentation may never be diagnosed. The peak age group of incidence is in the fifth decade. GV can be classified as organo-axial and mesentero-axial. Clinical presentation of gastric volvulus depends on the rapidity of onset and the degree of rotation. This is an interesting rare case report of a patient presenting with abdominal pain since 48 hours, associated with dyspnoea, nausea and vomiting. Nasogastric tube placement was unsuccessful. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed gastric volvulus with pneumoperitoneum. Emergency surgery was indicated and a typical gastrectomy was performed. Acute GV usually presents with Borchardt’s triad. With the advent of CT and laparoscopic surgery, the gold standards for diagnosing and treating this disease are constantly evolving. Surgical treatment should be performed according to aetiology and patient’s characteristics.