What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to identify the radiologic signs of colonic volvulus beyond the traditional coffee bean sign.

March 16, 2026Open Access

Radiologic Hallmarks of Colonic Volvulus: A Narrative Review

Key Points

The aim is to identify the radiologic signs of colonic volvulus beyond the traditional coffee bean sign.
Literature review of 32 articles in English and Spanish from multiple scientific databases.
Analysis of various imaging techniques including X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound.
Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of different imaging approaches.
Numerous signs for colonic volvulus diagnosis were identified beyond the coffee bean sign.
CT emerged as the most sensitive and specific imaging method.
Combining X-ray with contrast enema enhances sensitivity.
Ultrasound and MRI are recommended for patients who should avoid ionizing radiation.

Abstract

Volvulus is a cause of acute abdominal pain and imaging methods are essential for the diagnosis. During basic medical training, it is taught that the coffee bean sign, visible on radiographs, is indicative of an intestinal volvulus; however, numerous radiological signs are also visible on X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI. Therefore, a literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect, Elsevier, PubMed Central, and Ovid Lippincott Williams if X-ray is combined with contrast enema, the sensitivity increases. The preferred methods for people who can't be exposed to ionizing radiation are US and MRI.

Radiologic Hallmarks of Colonic Volvulus: A Narrative Review

Key Points

Abstract

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