What causes Bird of prey sign in the colon on contrast enema?
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Answer:
Abrupt beak-like narrowing of the distal sigmoid colon with proximal colonic dilatation, caused by sigmoid volvulus resulting in large bowel obstruction. Clinically presents with constipation, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and acute or chronic onset.
Why is it called so?
Named for the characteristic abrupt, tapered narrowing resembling the sharp, pointed beak of a bird of prey such as a falcon or eagle.
Pathophysiology
Twisting of the redundant sigmoid colon on its mesocolon creates a closed-loop obstruction, producing smooth, conical tapering at the site of volvulus with proximal bowel dilatation due to gas and fluid accumulation.
Alternative names: Bird’s beak sign (Bird of prey sign)
Other associated named signs: Coffee bean sign, Frimann-Dahl sign, whirl sign
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