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Midgut volvulus - small bowel obstruction

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Patient with acute colicky abdominal pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Abdomen and pelvis

ct

CT findings are distension of several small bowel loops due to the swirling of bowel and mesentery twisted around the SMA axis.

CT whirlpool sign

Annotated image

CT findings are distension of several small bowel loops due to the swirling of bowel and mesentery twisted around the SMA axis.

Case Discussion

The findings of the CT images compatible with small bowel obstruction due to mesenteric volvulus which presented with whirl or whirlpool sign.

Small bowel volvulus refers to the abnormal twisting of a loop of bowel around the axis of its own mesentery. This twisting may produce mechanical obstruction, vascular compromise, or both.

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