A whirlpool describes rotating water created by opposing currents or upon an encounter with an obstacle. On imaging, it refers to a twist of the vascular pedicle of an organ, with a subsequent characteristic appearance on color Doppler images. Multiple abdominal pediatric emergencies are associated with a whirlpool sign, including midgut and other intestinal volvulus, testicular torsion, and ovarian torsion. This exhibit aims to review the underlying embryologic mechanism predisposing to this characteristic appearance, the role of this sign in the diagnosis of these conditions, the supporting imaging features that can help further define the diagnosis, as well as some pitfalls and differential diagnoses that can lead to a fallacious diagnosis. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2022 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2022

Authors: Aboughalia Hassan, Oztek Murat Alp, Noda Sakura

Keywords: Whirlpool sign, Midgut malrotation, Testicular torsion