A tale of two twists: mesentero-axial and organo-axial sigmoid volvulus

Sigmoid volvulus is a potentially devastating and life-threatening condition associated with sigmoid colon redundancy. Many of the classical radiological signs are considered to represent the two adjacent loops of bowel in a mesentero-axial volvulus. However, limited case reports and series have reported on an organo-axial subtype of sigmoid volvulus. This clinical entity is not widely understood. In this study, we assess the radiological and clinical features of mesentero-axial and organo-axial sigmoid volvulus.

After institutional board approval (CH62/6/2016-228), all computed tomography (CT) studies from 2011 to 2017 reported as sigmoid volvulus at a single institution were reviewed. The cases were reviewed by three radiologists retrospectively and the course of the bowel followed with a focus on assessing its rotational axis. In each case, the sigmoid volvulus was independently subclassified as mesentero-axial or organo-axial volvulus based on the axis of rotation of the volvulus. In addition, X-ray signs including disproportionate sigmoid dilatation, distended inverted 'U' in sigmoid, coffee bean sign, opposed wall sign, direction of apex of sigmoid loop, liver overlap sign, northern exposure sign and proximal colonic dilatation and CT features including whirl sign, 'X' marks the spot sign, split wall sign and number of transition points were reported for each case. The clinical management and outcomes including morbidity, mortality, endoscopic decompression and need for surgery were also evaluated. The subtype of volvulus was correlated with the above X-ray signs, CT features and clinical management and outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata/MP, version 15 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA).

A total of 38 scans were reviewed. There were 19 patients identified. Of these, six (32%) were reported as mesentero-axial and 13 (68%) as organo-axial volvulus. No X-ray signs were able to distinguish the two types of volvulus. The number of transition points on CT was predictive of volvulus subtype (OR 25, 95% CI: 1.30-1295.30, P = 0.01). Within the limitations of a small cohort, there was no statistically significant difference in unsuccessful endoscopic decompression, need for colectomy, repeated admissions or mortality between the groups.

This study has demonstrated that organo-axial sigmoid volvulus may be as common as mesentero-axial volvulus. Distinguishing organo-axial from mesentero-axial volvulus can be achieved on CT, but not on abdominal X-ray. The number of transition points (two for mesentero-axial and one for organo-axial) may be used as a diagnostic feature for differentiating the two forms of volvulus.