[Place of tomodensitometry in the management of acute intestinal occlusions in Dakar]

Acute intestinal obstruction (AIO) is a syndrome defined by the cessation of intestinal transit caused by an obstacle or paralysis of intestinal peristalsis. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. The multi-bar CT scan has revolutionized the management of this pathology, as it allows the surgeon to answer different questions. The aim of our study was to describe the CT aspects of AIO, to determine the etiologies and to show the place of CT in the management of AIO.

This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over 5 years (January 2010 to December 2015) on 81 patient files collected in the imaging departments of the CHU Aristide Le Dantec and the Hôpital Principal. The files retained were those whose diagnosis was established from the clinic, imaging and/or not from surgery.

Mechanical occlusions represented 94.4% (76 cases) and functional occlusions 5.6% (05 cases). They were of the small bowel type in 70% of cases and colonic in 30%. The elementary lesions found were: transitional zone (36 patients), feces sign (28 patients), beak sign (06 patients), whirlpool sign (11 patients), signs of severity (36 patients). Seventy-two patients received surgery and 04 patients received medical treatment. The preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by surgery in 68 patients. Surgery corrected the diagnosis in 04 cases. Signs of severity were confirmed at surgery in all our patients.

The CT scan has a major role in the therapeutic choice of AIO. It should be requested in first intention before an occlusive syndrome.