Epidemiology

All reported epidemiological statistics on rotational abnormalities are likely to dramatically underestimate the true prevalence, given that some people with incomplete rotation remain asymptomatic and are never diagnosed, and some may present later in life (e.g., in adulthood).[1]​ Of patients with malrotation who become symptomatic, 50% to 75% do so in the first month and about 90% within the first year of life.[2] ​Symptomatic malrotation is thought to occur in 1 of every 6000 live births; however, this figure may be an underestimate and could be as high as 2.86 per 10,000 live births.[3][4][5]​​​​​ Rotational abnormalities have been noted as an incidental finding in 0.2% of upper gastrointestinal contrast studies.[6] This denominator is also misleading, as it selects patients with certain gut symptoms given that they required such a study. Autopsy series have documented non-rotation in 0.5%.[7]

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