Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Quadruple (1440 degrees) intestinal volvulus
Jun Kakisako1,2, Takuya Otsuki1,2, Takeshi Asakura3
1Department of General Internal Medicine Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital Kawasaki Kanagawa Japan.
Key Clinical Message:
A whirl sign on contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan is indicative of intestine twisted around the mesenteric vessels, and is observed in cases of strangulated obstruction, signaling compromised intestinal circulation. In cases of intestinal volvulus, surgery is necessary to untwist the affected bowel, and resection is necessary if necrosis is present.
Abstract:
A 31-year-old Japanese man presented with acute lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 1440-degree clockwise torsion of superior mesenteric artery and a whirl sign. Intestinal volvulus in adulthood with a background of malrotation is extremely rare. Contrast-enhanced CT is effective for diagnosis.
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