Gastric volvulus in the newborn.

A review of the world literature has revealed only 11 cases of gastric volvulus symptomatic in the first month of life. To those 11, this report adds two cases of intrathoracic organoaxial gastric volvulus that were observed in the first week of life and were managed operatively. Gastric volvulus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of newborn infants initially observed to have persisting regurgitation, vomiting, and respiratory distress. The diagnosis can be made with plain thoracoabdominal roentgenograms and confirmed by upper gastrointestinal contrast studies. Prompt surgical management is indicated and should include reduction and fixation of the stomach and repair of associated anomalies. The results of early surgery are excellent.