Caecal volvulus

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Caecal volvulus

  • This patient has a caecum which is not retroperitoneal and is therefore 'mobile' and susceptible to twisting or folding. The 'volvulus' (twist/fold) has resulted in dilatation of the caecum.

Caecal volvulus

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Caecal volvulus

  • The caecum is grossly dilated and is no longer located in its anatomical position, the right iliac fossa (RIF), which is occupied by small bowel in this example.

Caecal volvulus - 'Caecal embryo' sign

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Caecal volvulus

  • The caecum is grossly dilated and is not located in the RIF which is occupied by small bowel.

Radiology Masterclass 'Caecal Embryo Sign'

  • In caecal volvulus, the dilated caecum takes on a shape similar to a mammalian embryo. That is, the formation of a large dilated caecal pole (head), with one or two further 'segments' (body and tail). This is seen in all the images on this page.

Caecal volvulus - 'Caecal Embryo Sign'

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Caecal volvulus - 'Caecal Embryo Sign'

  • Here is another example of caecal volvulus showing the 'embryo' sign.

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: October 2019