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Sigmoid volvulus

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Patient Data

Age: 85 years
Gender: Male

CT Abdomen and pelvis

ct

Scout shows a marked distention of the sigmoid colon that assumes a coffee bean–like configuration.

Case Discussion

Sigmoid volvulus is an abnormal twisting of the sigmoid colon along its mesenteric axis that causes closed-loop obstruction and can lead to ischemia, perforation, and death. 

The coffee-bean sign is a sign on an abdominal plain film of a sigmoid volvulus although some authors have also used the term to refer to closed loop small bowel obstructions. 

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