Small Bowel CT Appearances
Midgut Volvulus CT Findings
- Swirling of bowel loops and vessels around the central SMA (“whirl” or “whirlpool” sign)
- Can cause SBO
- Can lead to ischemia and infarcted bowel if not treated
Other Information About Midgut Volvulus
Etiology:
- Congenital
Epidemiology:
- Twice more common in males than females
- Typically presents shortly after birth but can occur at any age
Presentation:
- Vomiting, particularly bile
- Abdominal distension
- Abdominal pain
- Hematochezia
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Malabsorption
- Symptoms may be absent or intermittent in adolescents and adults
Prognosis:
- Prompt treatment by surgery is needed to correct midgut volvulus
- A delay in surgery may cause more serious complications
Related Lectures:
CT Evaluation of Small Bowel Obstruction - Part 2
CT Evaluation of Suspected SBO: State of the Art 2024 - Part 2