title: Diagnosis of a sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy: ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.
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.
authors: Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Palmucci
authors: Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.
authors: Maria Letizia
authors: ML
authors: Lanza
authors: Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Gulino
authors: Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.
authors: Beniamino
authors: B
authors: Scilletta
authors: Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.
authors: Giovanni Carlo
authors: GC
authors: Ettorre
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D045822:Intestinal Volvulus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Intestinal Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pregnancy Complications; Ultrasonography; Volvulus