Secondary Small Bowel Volvulus: Utility of the Whirl Sign on CT

Small bowel volvulus (SBV) constitutes 1-6% of all small bowel obstructions (SBO) in adults. Clinically it can be difficult to discern whether a SBO is due to SBV hence why imaging is a key aspect of diagnosis. The presence of a whirl sign on computed tomography is a classic sign of SBV. This is a case of a 75 year old man who presented with a small bowel volvulus secondary to adhesions from prior surgery. He underwent a laparotomy with viable bowel and no resection required. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged after 21 days which included a period in the rehabilitation unit.