CT appearance of focal pseudomembranous colitis
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J R Yankes1, M E Baker, C Cooper
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Abstract:
Previous reports of the CT findings of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) have demonstrated the diffuse form of the disease. Although the focal nature of PMC is well recognized in the gastrointestinal literature, this manifestation has not been stressed in CT reports. We present three cases of focal colonic thickening detected on CT that proved to be PMC.
Insights
Focal pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) can appear as localized colonic thickening on CT scans, a presentation not commonly emphasized in radiology reports. This study highlights three such cases, expanding the known CT spectrum of PMC.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is typically associated with diffuse colonic involvement in prior computed tomography (CT) imaging studies.
- The focal manifestation of PMC, while recognized in clinical gastroenterology, has been underrepresented in radiological literature concerning CT findings.
Observation:
- This report details three distinct cases where focal colonic thickening was identified on CT scans.
- These focal abnormalities were subsequently diagnosed as pseudomembranous colitis upon further investigation.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) can reveal focal colonic wall thickening as a presentation of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC).
- This finding challenges the traditional understanding of PMC CT imaging, which often emphasizes diffuse disease patterns.
Implications:
- Radiologists should consider focal colonic thickening as a potential CT sign of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC).
- Increased awareness of this focal manifestation may improve diagnostic accuracy and timely treatment initiation for PMC.
- This expands the spectrum of imaging findings for PMC, aiding in differential diagnosis.