Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Assessment of acute mesenteric ischemia with multi-slice spiral CT]
Ming Chen1, Xuan Li, Jing-xia Xie
1Department of Radiology, the Third Hospital, Beijing,University, Beijing 100083, China. wgchm@sina.com
Objective:
To explore the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.
Methods:
MSCT, including plain scan, the arterial phase scan, and the portal vein phase scan, was performed in 18 patients who were suspected of acute intestinal ischemia. The mesenteric arteries and portal veins were imaged with techniques including volume-rendered technique, multi-planar reconstruction, and maximum intensity projection-thin. All of them were also examined with digital subtractive angiography (DSA). The diagnostic results of MSCT were compared with those of DSA, and the abnormal MSCT findings were analyzed.
Results:
Bowel wall thickening, mesenteric edema, and ascites were most commonly seen in venous thromboses, while luminal dilatation and air-fluid levels were commonly seen in arterial embolization. Except that pneumatosis was only seen in transmural infarction, all the abnormal CT findings were found in different patterns and different degrees of ischemia.
Conclusions:
The integrated MSCT examination is a valuable tool in diagnosis of acute intestinal ischemia. It can accurately diagnose acute intestinal ischemia and is also useful to assess the degrees of ischemia.
Insights
Multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) is valuable for diagnosing acute intestinal ischemia. This imaging technique accurately identifies ischemia and helps assess its severity, aiding clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Acute mesenteric ischemia is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis.
- Early detection is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in diagnosing acute intestinal ischemia.
- To compare MSCT findings with digital subtractive angiography (DSA).
Main Methods:
- MSCT was performed on 18 patients with suspected acute intestinal ischemia, including plain, arterial, and portal venous phases.
- Advanced imaging techniques like volume-rendered technique and multi-planar reconstruction were used.
- Results were compared with DSA, the gold standard.
Main Results:
- Distinct MSCT findings correlated with different types of ischemia: bowel wall thickening, mesenteric edema, and ascites in venous thrombosis; luminal dilatation and air-fluid levels in arterial embolization.
- Pneumatosis was specific to transmural infarction.
- Abnormal CT findings varied in pattern and degree across ischemic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Integrated MSCT examination is a valuable diagnostic tool for acute intestinal ischemia.
- MSCT accurately diagnoses the condition and assesses ischemic severity.
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