Gastric volvulus with diaphragmatic hernia presenting with unexplained weight loss: a delayed diagnosis

Ghatak S
Correspondence: Dr Supriyo Ghatak, drsupriyo@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT
Gastric volvulus (GV)is a rare condition that presents with epigastric pain, retching and at times, vomiting. There are two types of GV: organoaxial and mesenteroaxial. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman with chronic mesenteroaxial volvulus with left-sided diaphragmatic defect. She presented with significant weight loss over a period of two years, with nonspecific symptoms of heartburn, occasional mild epigastric pain and anorexia. The patient was diagnosed with barium meal and contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging. She was treated with open repair of diaphragmatic defect and anterior gastropexy. She was asymptomatic and had gained weight at the six-month follow-up.

Keywords: anterior gastropexy, diaphragmatic hernia, eventration, gastric volvulus
Singapore Med J 2011; 52(1): e4-e6