Radiological Signs of Midgut Volvulus

On an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, the classic "corkscrew" appearance of the duodenum is indicative of midgut volvulus, reflecting the abnormal bowel twisting around its mesenteric vascular pedicle.

If the patient is evaluated with ultrasound or color Doppler instead, the equivalent diagnostic finding is the "whirlpool sign," showing the superior mesenteric vein and mesentery wrapping clockwise around the superior mesenteric artery