[Midgut malrotation. What is involved?].

To make an inventory of radiological findings involved in midgut malrotation, 56 consecutive patients with surgically proven isolated malrotation of the midgut were evaluated retrospectively. Findings on plain abdominal radiography, upper gastrointestinal series, radiography after barium enema, ultrasound and/or computed tomography (CT) were reviewed, correlated with findings at surgery and classified into clinical entities related to embryological development. Findings were normal in 20/45 plain abdominal radiograms, 2/46 upper gastrointestinal series, 9/43 radiograms after barium enemas, and 9/13 ultrasound and/or CT examinations. All other examinations showed a multitude of abnormalities, which are discussed in depth. Complete radiological classification into the aforementioned clinical entities was possible in 33 patients (58.9%). Partial classification was possible in the remaining patients (23/56; 41.1%). It is concluded that midgut malrotation is a treacherous disease with multivarious clinical symptoms. Use of the classification described makes it easier to interpret the findings.