Volvuli affecting the distal colon, specifically the splenic flexure onwards is underdiagnosed pathologies with non-specific clinical features. Delay in diagnosing these pathologies can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in terms of ischemia and perforation of bowel. Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) with intravenous contrast is an accurate and reliable imaging modality allowing prompt diagnosis and management. We present an overview of the radiological features found in acute presentations of different types of colonic volvuli.

Keywords:Splenic Flexure; Volvulus; Ileosigmoid Knot; Sigmoid Colon; Multi Detector Computed Tomography

Pain in the left iliac fossa is a common clinical complaint encountered in an emergency setting. Initial radiological evaluation is usually accomplished using ultrasound screening, which can rule out common pathologies. Dilated bowel loops are also identifiable using ultrasound, however, the limitations of this modality lie in its inability to ascertain the exact pathology behind the dilated loops.

MDCT provides a definitive method to assess the cause, site and type of bowel dilatation and also evaluate secondary complications such as ischemia leading to gangrene and perforation.

We present here three different entities—Ileosigmoid knot, splenic flexure volvulus, and sigmoid volvulus, found causing obstruction, diagnosed on MDCT and confirmed intra operatively.

Splenic flexure volvulus, sigmoid volvulus and the ileosigmoid knot affect the distal colon, and may manifest non-specific clinical features, and therefore contrast enhanced MDCT plays a crucial role in their accurate diagnosis and timely management.

A fifty year old male patient presented with severe abdominal pain and distention, with no passage of feces or flatus for twenty four hours. The patient’s vitals were stable and routine laboratory investigations were normal. Plain abdominal radiograph showed dilated large and small bowel loops with multiple air fluid levels in small bowel (Figure 1). MDCT of abdomen with intravenous contrast administration showed dilated sigmoid colon, with a “coffee-bean” appearance on coronal images (Figure 2). Ileal bowel loops were seen twisted around the base of the sigmoid colon, creating a “whirl” sign, causing closed loop obstruction of both sigmoid colon and ileal loops. Multiple air-fluid levels and small bowel fecal mottling were also observed. No signs of gangrene were seen (Figures 3 and 4).

Patient underwent surgery twelve hours after the CT study was performed owing to low hemoglobin count. Intra-operatively, there was a large dilated, gangrenous sigmoid colon with two complete turns of ileal loops at its base. The ileal loops were found to be viable (Figure 5). The gangrenous segment was resected and anastomosis was performed.

A fifty year old male patient was admitted with complaints of diffuse abdominal pain and distension, with recurrent bouts of vomiting. On examination he was found to have diffused abdominal tenderness with diminished bowel sounds. The MDCT scanogram revealed a dilated sigmoid colon with abrupt tapering giving it the “beak appearance” with accompanying dilated large bowel loops (Figure 6). Images obtained after administration of intravenous contrast showed a distended ahaustral sigmoid colon (Figure 7). The distended sigmoid colon loop was seen extending to the left hemi diaphragm (left flank overlap sign) and overlapping the lower border of liver shadow (liver overlap sign). The whirl sign was seen due to twisted sigmoid mesocolon and beak sign at the level of twist due to tapering of opposed loops (Figure 8). The apex of the sigmoid colon was seen above T10 level vertebra. The sigmoid colon was seen to lie cephalic to the transverse colon, an appearance referred to as the Northern exposure sign (Figure 6).

Intra-operatively dilated, gangrenous sigmoid colon was seen twisted around its mesenteric root. Proximal colonic dilatation was noted (Figure 9). Resection and anastomosis was performed and the patient recovered uneventfully.

A twenty five year old male patient presented with acute abdominal pain, localized to the left flank. Patient also complained of abdominal distention with no passage of feces or flatus for over twenty four hours. On examination he was found to have tenderness and fullness over the left hypochondrium with decreased bowel sounds. Routine blood investigations were normal. Supine abdominal plain radiograph revealed dilated twisted large bowel loop in the region of splenic flexure with “coffee bean sign” and dilated proximal large bowel loops (Figure 10). The scanogram of MDCT showed the same findings as seen in plain supine abdominal radiograph (Figure 11). Plain scan of MDCT showed dilatation of the transverse and splenic flexure of colon (Figure 12). MDCT with intravenous contrast administration showed twisted splenic flexure around its mesentery, resulting in an inverted coffee bean appearance on coronal images (Figures 13(a) and 13(b)). No signs of gangrene or pneumoperitoneum were seen.

Intraoperatively, the splenic flexure was found to be viable, dilated and twisted at its base. Proximal colonic dilatation was observed (Figure 14). The splenic flexure was resected and anastomosis performed. The patient’s

recovery was uneventful.

E. Parker described the first case of ileosigmoid knot in literature in 1845 [1] , and the first Asian case was re-

ported in 1940 by Shepherd, J.J. [2] . This condition is more common in males of African, Asian and Middle Eastern descent than in Caucasians [3] . Very few cases of this condition have been described in literature. This condition can be complicated by rapid progression to gangrene of both the ileum and the sigmoid colon, and therefore may be considered a surgical emergency [2] -[4] . Owing to the rarity of this condition, and the resulting lack of general awareness of it, preoperative diagnosis is difficult and likely often missed. MDCT however, has proved to be helpful in its early diagnosis.

The clinical presentation of ileosigmoid knot is quite non-specific and varies widely, ranging from abdominal pain and distention, to rectal bleeding. Clinical features of small bowel obstruction, imaging features of large bowel obstruction, and inability to pass a sigmoidoscope form a triad of diagnostic features for ileo-sigmoid knot [5] . Ileosigmoid knots can be classified into four categories, based on the relationship of the knotted loops to each other. In type I, the ileum twists around the sigmoid volvulus, which is seen in our case (Figure 15). In type II, the sigmoid colon twists around the ileum and in type III, the ileocaecal junction twists around the sigmoid colon. Cases in which the involved segment cannot be identified accurately fall under type IV [2] [4] . Current literature states that type I is most common, accounting for 53.9% - 57.5% of cases, with type II and III being next in line (accounting for 18.9% - 20.6% and 1.5% of cases respectively) [4] [6] [7] . The mean mortality rate is 6.8% - 8% in non-gangrenous and 20% - 100% in gangrenous cases. The presence of advanced age, associated medical problems, shock, bowel gangrene or perforation increases the mortality rate. Most radiologists describe the signs as inconstant or atypical and clinicians feel that the clinical signs are difficult to define preoperatively [2] -[4] [6] -[10] .

Sigmoid volvulus is a condition in which sigmoid colon twists around its mesocolon (Figure 16). It is a common cause of large bowel obstruction after neoplasm and diverticulitis. Caecal volvulus is its close mimic, and differentiation between the two is possible by observing the absence of haustra in sigmoid volvulus com-

pared to caecal volvulus. Also, sigmoid volvulus is directed toward the right upper quadrant, whereas caecal volvulus points to the left upper quadrant [11] . Many signs have been described in literature for sigmoid volvulus, including those seen in our case—Y sign, omega or horseshoe sign, bird’s beak sign, coffee bean sign, bent inner tube or ace of spades sign, left pelvic overlap or left flank overlap sign, liver overlap sign, northern exposure sign, the whirl sign, Frimann-Dahl’s sign and empty left iliac fossa sign [12] -[19] .

Splenic flexure volvulus is an important and rare cause of large bowel obstruction. The splenic flexure is held in position by the phrenicocolic, gastrocolic, and splenocolic ligaments. These ligaments, along with the retroperitoneal location of the descending colon [20] prevent its movement. Mobility of the splenic flexure may be permitted in the setting of congenital absence of the supporting ligaments [21] , or due to their surgical removal. A long mesentery causing redundancy of the splenic flexure may be another contributing factor [22] -[25] . The splenic flexure twists around its base and shows proximal colonic dilatation (Figure 17). The clinical features

are non specific. MDCT with intravenous contrast will demonstrate twisted splenic flexure of colon with dilated transverse and ascending colon as seen in the case diagnosed by us.

Volvuli is underdiagnosed surgical emergencies that have a significantly improved outcome with timely diagnosis and intervention. Given their non-specific clinical presentation, it becomes important to recognize the imaging features in time, thus reducing the chance of complications such as gangrene.