Spontaneous Resolution of Primary Small Bowel Volvulus With Oral Contrast

Abstract

We report a case of 49 year-old male who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain. CT of the abdomen revealed a small bowel volvulus. After ingestion of the contrast dye used for the CT imaging study, he experienced resolution of his presenting symptoms. Furthermore, his follow up abdominal radiograph done 1 hour later showed a decrease in the number of distended small bowel loops, corresponding to an immediate improvement in his condition. This is the first report of spontaneous resolution of primary small bowel volvulus after ingestion of oral contrast. This case can be used for further investigation of a therapeutic role of oral contrast in the management of primary small bowel volvulus.




doi:10.4021/jcs67w