Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Cross-sectional imaging of nontraumatic peritoneal and mesenteric emergencies
Michael N Patlas1, Abdullah Alabousi, Mariano Scaglione
1Division of Emergency/Trauma Radiology, Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. patlas@hhsc.ca
Abstract:
Multiple nontraumatic peritoneal and mesenteric emergencies are encountered at imaging of patients in the emergency department. Peritoneal and mesenteric emergencies are usually detected in patients in the emergency department during evaluation of nonspecific abdominal pain. A high index of suspicion is required for the establishment of early diagnosis and aversion of life-threatening complications in cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis, nontraumatic hemoperitoneum, and peritonitis. A correct diagnosis of omental infarction, mesenteric adenitis, and mesenteric panniculitis helps patients primarily by avoiding unnecessary surgery. In this review article, we illustrate the cross-sectional imaging appearance of various nontraumatic peritoneal and mesenteric emergencies by emphasizing the role of the emergency radiologist in detecting and managing these entities.
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