What does whirlpool sign mean?

The whirlpool sign, also known as the whirl sign, is seen when a structure twists upon itself resembling the rotating masses of water of a whirlpool. Described whirlpool signs include: whirlpool sign (mesentery): bowel rotates around its mesentery leading to whirls of the mesenteric vessels.

What is transition point in bowel obstruction?

Where Is the Transition Point? The transition point is determined by identifying a caliber change between the dilated proximal and collapsed distal small bowel loops (,Fig 8). Several methods can be used to improve detection of the transition point. One of these relates to the method of acquisition.

What does dilated loops of small bowel mean?

The loops of the small bowel are dilated, and associated with small calcific nodules in the right iliac fossa are seen. These findings are suggestive of appendicoliths. At laparotomy, an appendiceal mass was found; this caused the small-bowel obstruction.

What is a mesenteric volvulus?

Midgut volvulus is a condition in which the intestine has become twisted as a result of malrotation during. Malrotation of the intestine occurs when the normal embryologic sequence of bowel development and fixation is interrupted.

What is Whirlpool sign in ovarian torsion?

Conclusions: A positive whirlpool sign in the twisted vascular pedicle of the ovary is the most definitive sign of ovarian torsion. Absence of blood flow in the twisted pedicle and visualization of the flow in the artery alone are predictive of nonviability of the ovary.

Can a CT scan miss a bowel obstruction?

Unfortunately, the presence of bowel ischemia or closed-loop obstruction can be missed even with state-of-the-art CT, and patients with an obvious discrepancy between CT and clinical findings in whom severe obstruction or bowel ischemia is suspected must undergo exploratory laparotomy (,18).

What is subacute obstruction?

Subacute intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency. Common causes are stricture, polyps and tumours, rarely gall stones or foreign body. Enteroliths are also a cause of intestinal obstruction but are rare. They occur proximal to stricture or in a diverticulum or a blind loop.

Can CT scan show intestinal blockage?

However, some intestinal obstructions can’t be seen using standard X-rays. Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images. These images are more detailed than a standard X-ray, and are more likely to show an intestinal obstruction.

Will a CT scan show bowel blockage?

CT is reported to have a sensitivity of 78%–100% for the detection of complete or high-grade small bowel obstruction but may not allow accurate diagnosis in cases involving incomplete obstruction. In such cases, the use of adjunct enteroclysis is indicated.