Sigmoid volvulus

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Intestinal obstruction?

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
ct

The CT scan demonstrates:

  • distended colon with a large gas-filled sigmoid colon forming a closed-loop obstruction extending from the pelvis to the left upper quadrant giving the "coffee bean sign"
  • crossing loops of bowel at the site of the transition in the upper mid-pelvic region "X-marks-the-spot sign"
  • twisting of the sigmoid mesentery and mesenteric vessels giving the "whirlpool appearance"
  • minimal intraperitoneal effusion is seen in the pelvis 
  • no evidence of perforation or bowel ischemia

Case Discussion

The CT features are most consistent with a sigmoid volvulus.

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