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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Acute Abdominal Pain and a Whirlpool Sign on Computed Tomography: A Case Report
Christopher Libby1, Evan Stern2,3, Robyn Hoelle2,3
1Cedars Sinai Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
Introduction:
Mesenteric volvulus is a rare cause of abdominal pain and bowel obstruction in elderly patients. When a mesenteric volvulus occurs in adult patients, the symptoms are often non-specific, which contributes to delays in diagnosis.
Case Report:
We present a case of a 75-year-old female who presented with non-specific abdominal pain. The rare whirlpool sign on computed tomography identified a mesenteric volvulus as the cause of small bowel obstruction. She was taken to the operating room and, after successful resection of the small bowel, she recovered and ultimately was discharged home.
Conclusion:
Early identification of a whirlpool sign and early surgical consultation are key to providing the best chance for salvage of ischemic small bowel due to mesenteric volvulus and to prevent a fatal outcome.
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