Computed tomographic imaging findings of bowel ischemia

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Bowel ischemia is a prevalent and often fatal disorder with varied presentations, particularly affecting the elderly population.
• Advances in computed tomography (CT) have significantly impacted the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to bowel ischemia.
• The increasing average life expectancy contributes to the rising threat of bowel ischemia in older patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the pathogenesis of bowel ischemia.
• To describe the clinical, pathological, and radiological manifestations of bowel ischemia.
• To highlight the role of computed tomography in diagnosing bowel ischemia.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on bowel ischemia pathogenesis and manifestations.
• Analysis of clinical presentations associated with bowel ischemia.
• Evaluation of pathological findings in bowel ischemia.
• Assessment of radiological features of bowel ischemia using computed tomography.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography findings include bowel wall thickening, portal venous gas, intramural pneumatosis, mesenteric vein engorgement, altered bowel wall enhancement, and infarction of adjacent organs.
• Bowel ischemia exhibits a wide range of radiological manifestations that are often similar regardless of the underlying cause.
• Radiological findings can mimic other conditions such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusions:

• Bowel ischemia presents a diverse spectrum of radiological signs, often indistinguishable from other abdominal pathologies.
• Accurate diagnosis of bowel ischemia necessitates a strong correlation between radiological findings and clinical signs.
• Early and accurate diagnosis through integrated clinical and radiological assessment is crucial for managing bowel ischemia.