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Published on: July 21, 2013
Omental infarction preceded by anatomically upturned omentum
Wilbur Wang1, Zhen Jane Wang, Emily M Webb
1Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, Box 0628, M-372, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628.
Clinical Imaging
|August 13, 2013
Summary
A hypermobile, upturned omentum can lead to spontaneous omental torsion and infarction. This case report highlights anatomical variations as a precursor to this rare abdominal condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain, often diagnosed via imaging.
- Spontaneous omental torsion typically occurs without predisposing anatomical factors.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed spontaneous omental torsion.
- A prior CT scan showed the omentum in an anterior hepatic position, indicating a hypermobile, upturned anatomy.
Findings:
- The patient's prior CT scan identified an upturned omentum.
- This anatomical variation is suggested as a precursor to omental infarction.
- This is the first reported case linking an upturned omentum to omental infarction.
Implications:
- Recognizing anatomical variations like a hypermobile omentum is crucial for diagnosing omental torsion.
- This finding may prompt further investigation into predisposing anatomical factors for omental pathologies.
- Understanding these precursors can aid in surgical planning and patient management.
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