Marion Fenet 1, Albert Phouratsamay 2, Charly Pignon 3, Jeremy Mortier 4
Background
This report presents the first documented case of radiographic and ultrasonographic findings associated with segmental mesenteric and jejunal torsion in a guinea pig. Mesenteric and jejunal torsions are rare conditions in this species and are typically life-threatening, requiring prompt surgical intervention. The aim was to describe diagnostic imaging features that could support early recognition of this condition.
Methods
A 6-year-old intact male guinea pig was presented with acute abdominal symptoms. Initial clinical assessments were followed by radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging. Radiographs were obtained using a Thales radiology system, and ultrasonography employed a 5–18 MHz linear transducer. A board-certified radiologist supervised the imaging procedures. Surgery was conducted based on imaging findings, and intraoperative observations confirmed the diagnosis.
Results
Radiographs showed moderate gastric dilatation and segmental small intestinal gas accumulation, suggestive of ileus. Ultrasonography revealed a focally dilated jejunal loop with abrupt narrowing and a characteristic “whirl sign” indicating torsion around a mesenteric vascular pedicle. A diagnosis of segmental mesenteric and jejunal torsion with secondary mechanical obstruction was made. Surgical exploration confirmed a twisted jejunal loop around a mesenteric vascular pedicle with ischemic necrosis. Despite derotation attempts, the guinea pig experienced cardiopulmonary arrest during surgery and did not survive.
Limitations
The primary limitation is the single case nature of the report, which precludes generalization of findings. Additionally, the lack of necropsy and intraoperative blood analysis limited understanding of the exact cause of death and extent of reperfusion injury. The diagnosis was also constrained by the known imaging limitations in small exotic mammals.
Conclusions
This report identifies specific radiographic and ultrasonographic features—particularly the “whirl sign”—as critical for diagnosing segmental mesenteric and jejunal torsion in guinea pigs. Early ultrasonographic identification of this sign can support prompt surgical decision-making. This case contributes novel diagnostic insights for a condition previously undocumented in this species.
Left lateral (A) and ventrodorsal (B) radiographs showing a moderately distended stomach by heterogeneous soft-tissue opacity material and peripherally distributed gas (asterisk). Multiple small intestinal loops are markedly gas-dilated (black arrows). The cecum has a normal soft-tissue and punctuated gas content for the species (white arrows). There is a marked loss of serosal detail. Images (A–B) were acquired using VET-TECH 300HF, Thales radiology system, France, with a mA of 250, 40 mS, 50 kV. Courtesy of EnvA.
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