Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Macori F, Double beak sign. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 27 Mar 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-96457
The double beak sign refers to the sudden tapering that two adjacent intestinal loops show in the internal hernia at the transition point of the closed loop obstruction.
The marked reduction in caliber results in distension of the afferent and efferent intestinal loops.
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.
- 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
- 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
Promoted articles (advertising)
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.