Small bowel feces sign in association with occlusive mesenteric ischemia

Abstract

Small bowel feces sign (SBFS) is a computed tomography (CT) finding that appears as fecal like material in dilated small bowel loops. This sign is usually seen in association with gradually progressive small bowel obstruction. We present a case of occlusive mesenteric ischemia in which the SBFS appeared on CT scan early on in the course of the disease. We put forward a suggested alternative mechanism to the appearance of this sign in association with mesenteric ischemia. The SBFS might have the potential to serve as an early sign of mesenteric ischemia on CT scan.