Related Experiment Videos
[Epiploic appendagitis: sonographic findings in 28 cases]
A Hollerweger1, P Macheiner, E Hübner
1Abteilung für Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, KH Barmherzige Brüder, Salzburg, Germany. alois.hollerweger@bbsalz.at
Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980)
|September 13, 2002
Summary
Epiploic appendagitis typically presents on ultrasound as a moderately hyperechoic, non-compressible mass near the colon. This condition often shows a hypoechoic rim and adherence to the abdominal wall, with color Doppler revealing a central avascular zone.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Epiploic appendagitis is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the sonographic characteristics of epiploic appendagitis.
- To identify specific imaging features for improved diagnostic accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 28 patients diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis via ultrasound over 8 years.
- Evaluation of lesion echogenicity, compressibility, shape, adherence, rim, and colonic wall changes.
- Correlation with color Doppler ultrasound and CT findings.
Main Results:
- A moderately hyperechoic, ovoid, non-compressible mass adjacent to the colon was consistently observed (100%).
- Adherence to the abdominal wall (93%) and a hypoechoic rim (71%) were frequent findings.
- Color Doppler showed absent central flow and increased peripheral flow in most cases.
Conclusions:
- Epiploic appendagitis has a distinct sonographic signature: a hyperechoic, ovoid, non-compressible lesion fixed to the abdominal wall.
- A hypoechoic rim and specific Doppler flow patterns are characteristic.
- Ultrasound, particularly with color Doppler, is effective in diagnosing epiploic appendagitis.