Volvulus with or without malrotation are infrequent in the extremely premature newborn.
Case reports: Intestinal volvulus in seven premature newborns are reported with abdominal distention, bright and tense skin without visible bowel loops and spiraled bowel loops on the abdominal X-ray. Intestinal resection was avoided due to early diagnosis. We identified abdominal wall massages as a risk factor, because no new cases have occurred since interdiction of these practices.
Conclusions: Symptoms and radiologic findings are relatively specific for excluding the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns. Abdominal nursing could be the incriminating factor.