Etymed
volvulus
Definition
A condition in which a loop of intestine or other organ becomes twisted upon itself, causing obstruction
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting. On examination, his abdomen is rigid and tender with absent bowel sounds. An abdominal X-ray shows a dilated loop of bowel with a 'whirlpool' sign. He undergoes emergency surgery revealing a volvulus of the sigmoid colon. The twisted bowel is detorted and resected due to ischemia.
Mnemonic
Volvulus = Volcano (spinning) with obstruction