Computed tomography in the diagnosis of adult midgut rotational anomalies: a report of two cases.

ABSTRACT

Adult midgut rotational anomalies are difficult to diagnose. Any symptoms present in adults may be the result of intermittent volvulus of the midgut. Successful outcome of this clinical condition depends on prompt diagnosis and timely surgical intervention. Computed tomography (CT) is useful in early identification of these lesions in the abdomen. However, the specific CT signs, the "superior mesenteric vein rotation" sign and the "whirl" sign, are easy to overlook if not kept in mind, as occurred in one of our two patients. In the other patient, CT played the major role in preoperative diagnosis.