Abstract

Gastric volvulus is a rotation of the stomach of at least 180 associated with a closed loop obstruction. Pare described the first case of gastric volvulus m 1579. Laxity of the gastric ligament, a congenital or acquired diaphragmatic defect, increased abdominal pressure, and a genetic component contributing to gastric volvulus. Gastric volvulus has been classified clinically as acute and chronic gastric volvulus, and can be classified anatomically as organoaxial, mesenteroaxial or a mixed type. Gastric volvulus occurs in children usually before 1 year of age or elderly patients. In acute gastric volvulus, and be patients complain of sudden abdominal or chest pain. The chest pain, which can radiate to the arms and neck accompanied by dyspnea, may initially lead to consideration of ischemic heart disease. Chronic gastric volvulus is difficult to diagnose because it may be associated with mild and nonspecific symptoms such as epigastric discomfort, fullness or heartburn. We experienced a case of 83 year old male with an organoaxial type of chronic gastric volvulus, iagnosed by upper gastrointestinal series, and treated with conservative rnanagement. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 18: 713-718, 1998)

• Keywords: Gastric volvulus , Orgenoaxial type