Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40852415›Full record

ArticleFrontiers in pediatrics2025

Case Report: Ultrasound "whirlpool sign" in fetal intestinal malrotation and torsion: a case-based approach to early diagnosis and intervention.

Yueyun Liu, Rongjie Zheng, Zonghua Liu, Jun Zhou

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Frontiers in pediatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Yueyun LiuDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
Rongjie ZhengDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
Zonghua LiuDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
Jun ZhouDepartment of Clinical Skill Training Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Fetal ascites is a rare condition that may indicate underlying gastrointestinal malformations, including congenital intestinal malrotation. Early recognition and timely intervention are crucial to prevent complications such as intestinal torsion and ischemic necrosis. This study reports a case of fetal intestinal malrotation presenting with isolated ascites and acute fetal distress, emphasizing the role of ultrasound and multidisciplinary management in improving neonatal outcomes. Case Report: A late-term fetus presented with reduced fetal movements. Ultrasound revealed moderate ascites, bowel dilation, and the characteristic "whirlpool sign," suggesting intestinal malrotation with volvulus. Doppler ultrasound indicated abnormal umbilical artery blood flow, and cardiotocography (CTG) confirmed fetal distress. An emergency cesarean section was performed after a multidisciplinary consultation. Intraoperative findings revealed intestinal volvulus, and postoperative evaluation confirmed ischemic necrosis. The neonate underwent abdominal paracentesis and received comprehensive treatment, including respiratory support, antimicrobial therapy, and nutritional management. Histopathological examination confirmed localized intestinal necrosis without perforation. The infant recovered well and was discharged in stable condition. Conclusion: Fetal ascites may be an early sign of congenital intestinal malrotation and volvulus. The ultrasound "whirlpool sign" indicates intestinal malrotation and possible volvulus, aiding early detection but not confirming bowel necrosis. Prompt multidisciplinary decision-making is essential to improve perinatal outcomes and prevent severe complications.

Indexed as

fetal ascitesfetal distressintestinal malrotationperinatal managementultrasound whirlpool signvolvulus

Identifiers

PMID40852415
PMCPMC12367481

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.