Diagnosis of a sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy: ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Authors

  • Stefano Palmucci
  • Maria Letizia Lanza
  • Fabrizio Gulino
  • Beniamino Scilletta
  • Giovanni Carlo Ettorre

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v8i2.1766

Keywords:

Volvulus, Pregnancy Complications, Intestinal Diseases, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasonography

Abstract

Sigmoid volvulus complicating pregnancy is a rare, non-obstetric cause of abdominal pain that requires prompt surgical intervention (decompression) to avoid intestinal ischemia and perforation. We report the case of a 31-week pregnant woman with abdominal pain and subsequent development of constipation. Preoperative diagnosis was achieved using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography: the large bowel distension and a typical whirl sign - near a sigmoid colon transition point - suggested the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus. The decision to refer the patient for emergency laparotomy was adopted without any ionizing radiation exposure, and the pre-operative diagnosis was confirmed after surgery. Imaging features of sigmoid volvulus and differential diagnosis from other non-obstetric abdominal emergencies in pregnancy are discussed in our report, with special emphasis on the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Author Biographies

Stefano Palmucci

 

Radiologist, MD

Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit

University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele"


 

Beniamino Scilletta

Surgeon, MD

 

Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies

 

University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele"

Giovanni Carlo Ettorre

Radiologist, Full Professor

Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit

University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele"


Published

2014-02-22

Issue

Section

Emergency Radiology