Definition of Volvulus - childhood:

A volvulus -- in this case occurring in childhood -- is a twisting of the bowel with obstruction of the flow of material through the bowel, variable loss of blood supply, and possible tissue death.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A volvulus is a condition in which the bowel becomes twisted. This twisting causes obstruction of the intestine, and also often cuts off the blood supply to the intestine. The resulting death of some or all of the intestine may in turn cause the person to die.

Malrotation of the bowel during fetal development may predispose infants to a volvulus, although a volvulus can occur in the absence of malrotation. Volvulus associated with malrotation often occurs early in life, frequently in the first year.

Infants develop sudden onset signs of bowel obstruction that may include nausea and vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal pain, constipation, and shock. Symptoms are generally dramatic enough that infants are taken early to the emergency room, which can be critical for survival.