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A patient with abdominal distension.
1Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. F.Vos@AIG.umcn.nl
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|June 15, 2005
Summary
A 74-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting, initially suspected as mechanical bowel obstruction. Further investigation with computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the cause of her symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- A 74-year-old woman with hypertension and diabetes mellitus presented with acute onset of vomiting and abdominal pain.
- She had a 24-hour history of left lower quadrant pain, constipation, and abdominal distension.
Observation:
- Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with a large, tender mass in the left lower quadrant.
- Initial laboratory tests showed elevated white blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase.
- Abdominal X-ray did not show bowel distension, but symptoms recurred after initial conservative treatment.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan with oral and intravenous contrast was performed to further evaluate the cause of obstruction.
- The CT scan identified the underlying pathology responsible for the patient's symptoms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing complex gastrointestinal conditions.
- Accurate diagnosis through CT scan is crucial for appropriate management and patient outcomes.