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[CT findings in acute small bowel diverticulitis]
1Radiologisch-Nuklearmedizinisches Zentrum am St. Theresienkrankenhaus Nürnberg. franz.ferstl@rpnl.de
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|February 12, 2004
Summary
Small bowel diverticulitis, a rare cause of acute abdomen, presents nonspecific symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosis, revealing inflamed diverticula and related inflammatory changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Small bowel diverticulitis is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain.
- Symptoms are nonspecific, often mimicking other acute abdominal conditions like appendicitis or colonic diverticulitis.
Observation:
- Diagnosis relies on radiologic findings, with computed tomography (CT) being the preferred imaging modality.
- CT demonstrates inflamed diverticula, mesenteric infiltration, extraluminal gas, and bowel wall edema.
Findings:
- Typical CT findings include inflamed diverticula, mesenteric infiltration, extraluminal gas, and mural edema.
- Complications such as abscesses, fistulae, obstruction, and perforation can occur.
- Differentiating small bowel diverticulitis from other conditions can be challenging, especially when involving the terminal ileum or Meckel's diverticulum.
Implications:
- Accurate CT interpretation is vital for diagnosing small bowel diverticulitis.
- Further investigations like enteroclysis or technetium scans may be needed for preoperative confirmation.
- Understanding CT features aids in timely diagnosis and management of this rare condition.