ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2018
Meta AnalysisRole of the ultrasonographic 'whirlpool sign' in intestinal volvulus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Intestinal volvulus is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when loops of bowel twist around its supporting mesentery and associated vasculature. Clinicians often rely on various radiological investigations for prompt diagnosis to avoid complications such as bowel infarction. This review assesses the clinical reliability of the ultrasonographic whirlpool sign (WS) in the diagnosis of intestinal volvulus. ⋯ Though the pooled sensitivity was less than ideal (87.42%), this review and meta-analysis nevertheless supports the reliability of the ultrasonographic WS as an acceptable indicator of intestinal volvulus.