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The left subphrenic crescent sign in direct cholangiography
1Department of Radiology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Clinical Radiology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Crescentic collections of contrast medium during cholangiography indicate left subphrenic abscesses in post-surgical patients. This finding aids in diagnosing these serious intra-abdominal infections.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Subdiaphragmatic abscesses are serious complications following abdominal surgery.
- Cholangiography is an imaging technique used to visualize the biliary system.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with left subdiaphragmatic collections of contrast medium during cholangiography.
- All patients had a history of prior surgery for biliary, gallbladder, or pancreatic conditions.
Findings:
- The contrast collections exhibited a characteristic crescentic shape.
- This crescentic collection was associated with an anterior subdiaphragmatic abscess.
Implications:
- The presence of crescentic left subphrenic contrast accumulations during cholangiography is a significant indicator of subphrenic abscess.
- Early consideration of subphrenic abscess in such cases can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.