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Small bowel volvulus in children: Its appearance on the barium enema examination

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Abstract

Two children with small bowel volvulus diagnosed on barium enema examination are reported. In one patient the volvulus was associated with malrotation and in the other patient there was a post-operative peritoneal adhesion. In both cases the diagnosis was based on “beaking” of the head of the barium column at the site of volvulus. Radiographic demonstration of a “beak” sign in the small bowel on barium enema examination should suggest a diagnosis of small bowel volvulus, and indicates the need for immediate surgery.

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Siegel, M.J., Shackelford, G.D. & McAlister, W.H. Small bowel volvulus in children: Its appearance on the barium enema examination. Pediatr Radiol 10, 91–93 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01001746

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