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Intramural fat in the duodenum and proximal small intestine in patients with celiac disease
Francis J Scholz1, Spencer C Behr, Christopher D Scheirey
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Lahey Clinic, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, MA 01805, USA. francis.j.scholz@lahey.org
Objective:
The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate intramural fat in the duodenum and jejunum, to our knowledge a previously undescribed finding in celiac disease.
Conclusion:
Celiac disease is known to produce inflammation of the duodenum and jejunum. We propose that postinflammatory intramural fat deposition occurs in a distribution likely unique for celiac disease. CT scans of the chest and abdomen obtained for many indications include these portions of the bowel. Celiac disease is now recognized as a common disease, and the recognition of intramural fat in the duodenum and jejunum on CT may allow earlier diagnosis.
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