A Pediatric Radiology Textbook and Pediatric Radiology Digital Library
Pediatric Sigmoid Volvulus
Etiology: sigmoid colon twists on its mesentery, the sigmoid mesocolon.
AXR: coffee bean sign
Enema: beak
Complications: bowel obstruction
Radiology Cases of Sigmoid Volvulus
AXR AP (above) shows the colon to be massively dilated throughout its length and there is a suggestion of a ‘bean’ sign in the middle of the abdomen. Early (below left) and later (below right) lateral images from an enema shows an inability to opacify the entire colon with contrast and the presence of a beak sign in the sigmoid colon.