AJR:197, July 2011
Vincent M.Timpone Grant E.Lattin, Jr. Rachel B. Lewis Keri Azuar Marc Tubay Robert A. Jesinger1'3
OBJECTIVE. The gastrointestinal tract is secured in place by various suspensory liga¬ments. Laxity or incomplete development of these anchoring ligaments can lead to hypermo-bility and predispose the patient to torsion-related ischemic pathology. A prompt diagnosis is necessary to avoid life-threatening consequences of prolonged visceral ischemia. Abdominal torsions are rarely diagnosed clinically, and it is often the responsibility of the radiologist to recognize and make the diagnosis through radiography, fluoroscopy, or cross-sectional imag-ing. This article reviews the imaging spectrum (with radiologic-pathologic correlations) and therapeutic implications of gastrointestinal tract torsions.
CONCLUSION. Torsion-related ischemic pathology may involve any portion of the gas-trointestinal tract from the stomach to the colon. The clinical presentation of gastrointestinal tract torsion is nonspecific, and radiologists are relied on to make this diagnosis. Recognition of the predisposing factors and imaging spectrum of gastrointestinal tract torsions is essential to help direct timely intervention in these potentially life-threatening entities.