arrested caecal descent
Last reviewed 01/2018
Arrested caecal descent occurs where the caecum lies in the subhepatic position but does not descend to the right iliac fossa. In the strictest use of the term this is not a malrotation but instead is a maldescent.
This condition can cause neonatal obstruction due to Ladd's bands. Also it can cause partial recurrent volvulus in older children due to the narrow mesenteric attachment between the caecum and the duodenojejunal flexure.
The condition is often asymptomatic and may only cause problems if the patient develops acute appendicitis.