Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

Abstract

Small intestine gangrene during pregnancy is a rare and difficult diagnosis. This condition is mainly caused by a complicated obstruction of the small bowel resulting from adhesions due to previous surgical operations such as hernia, or small intestine volvulus. Vascular causes including thrombosis, emboli, and vasculitis are common. The current report discussed a case of entire small bowel gangrene following small intestinal volvulus in a 24 - year - old multigravida in the 36th week of pregnancy, presenting with severe abdominal and back pain. During the operation, the small intestine was not recoverable, leading to a successful near - total enterectomy. The current case demonstrated the importance of a full diagnostic work - up of pregnant females present with gastrointestinal symptoms, especially when there is more than one etiology possible for patient’s clinical condition.

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