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Gastrointestinal bezoars: sonographic and CT characteristics.
T Ripollés1, J García-Aguayo, M J Martínez
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Dr. Peset, 90 Gaspar Aguilar Ave., 46017, Valencia, Spain.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|June 22, 2001
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) and sonography are reliable for diagnosing gastrointestinal bezoars. CT is more accurate, identifying more bezoars and associated gastric bezoars than sonography.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Gastrointestinal bezoars are undigested masses that can cause obstruction.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring surgical verification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional abdominal radiographs, sonography, and CT in identifying gastrointestinal bezoars.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of radiologic findings in 17 patients with surgically confirmed gastrointestinal bezoars.
- Comparison of diagnostic accuracy between abdominal radiographs, sonography, and CT.
Main Results:
- CT identified all 17 bezoars, significantly outperforming sonography (15/17) and radiographs (3/17).
- CT revealed associated gastric bezoars in 7 patients and multiple intestinal bezoars in 5, compared to sonography's findings of 2 and 2, respectively.
- No bezoars were clinically suspected pre-imaging.
Conclusions:
- Both sonography and CT are effective for diagnosing gastrointestinal bezoars.
- CT offers superior accuracy, characteristic imaging, and better detection of multiple and associated bezoars.