Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Macori F, Elfeky M, Shah V, et al. Double beak sign. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 26 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-96457
The double beak sign refers to the sharp tapering of two adjacent intestinal loops when a closed loop obstruction is caused by an internal hernia. The marked reduction in calibre results in distension of the small bowel loops within the hernia sac, as well as the upstream bowel.
History and etymology
It was first described in 1992 by Balthazar 1, but it was not until Millet 2 that the term "double beak sign" began to be used.
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1. Balthazar E, Birnbaum B, Megibow A, Gordon R, Whelan C, Hulnick D. Closed-Loop and Strangulating Intestinal Obstruction: CT Signs. Radiology. 1992;185(3):769-75. doi:10.1148/radiology.185.3.1438761 - Pubmed
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2. Millet I, Ruyer A, Alili C et al. Adhesive Small-Bowel Obstruction: Value of CT in Identifying Findings Associated with the Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Treatment. Radiology. 2014;273(2):425-32. doi:10.1148/radiol.14132872 - Pubmed
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