Which term describes a twisting of the intestines that can compromise blood flow?

Which term describes a twisting of the intestines that can compromise blood flow?

• A. Volvulus
• B. Intussusception
• C. Hernia
• D. Torsion

Answer: (A)

Twisting of a loop of bowel around its mesentery that can obstruct the lumen and cut off blood flow is called volvulus. The twist can block venous drainage first, then arterial inflow, which may rapidly cause bowel ischemia and can progress to necrosis if not treated promptly. This differs from intussusception, which is one segment of bowel telescoping into another rather than twisting. It’s also distinct from a hernia, where bowel protrudes through a weakness, and from torsion, which is twisting of an organ on its own axis rather than twisting of a bowel loop around its mesentery. In ultrasound or CT, a volvulus may show a whirlpool sign representing twisted mesenteric vessels, helping confirm the diagnosis.

Twisting of a loop of bowel around its mesentery that can obstruct the lumen and cut off blood flow is called volvulus. The twist can block venous drainage first, then arterial inflow, which may rapidly cause bowel ischemia and can progress to necrosis if not treated promptly. This differs from intussusception, which is one segment of bowel telescoping into another rather than twisting. It’s also distinct from a hernia, where bowel protrudes through a weakness, and from torsion, which is twisting of an organ on its own axis rather than twisting of a bowel loop around its mesentery. In ultrasound or CT, a volvulus may show a whirlpool sign representing twisted mesenteric vessels, helping confirm the diagnosis.