Small bowel volvulus in children: its appearance on the barium enema examination

Abstract

Two children with small bowel volvulus diagnosed on barium enema examination are reported. In one patient the volvulus was associated with malrotation and in the other patient there was a post-operative peritoneal adhesion. In both cases the diagnosis was based on "beaking" of the head of the barium column at the site of volvulus. Radiographic demonstration of a "beak" sign in the small bowel on barium enema examination should suggest a diagnosis of small bowel volvulus, and indicates the need for immediate surgery.