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Abnormal intraabdominal gas collections visualized on computed tomography: a clinical and experimental study
Gastrointestinal Radiology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Most abnormal intraabdominal gas collections on CT scans result from medical procedures, not infections. CT imaging is highly sensitive for detecting these iatrogenic gas collections, even small ones.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Abnormal intraabdominal gas collections can indicate various pathologies.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for abdominal assessment.
Observation:
- A review of 34 abnormal intraabdominal gas collections in 29 patients over one year was conducted.
- Sixty-two percent of these collections were noninfectious and iatrogenic, often following procedures.
- Infections/abscesses, hernias, and gastrointestinal perforations accounted for the remaining collections.
Findings:
- CT scans are highly sensitive in detecting abnormal gas collections.
- Even small gas collections (as low as 5cc) were visualized on CT.
- CT and conventional radiography visualized similar volumes of gas (up to 20cc) over comparable periods.
Implications:
- The majority of abnormal intraabdominal gas collections visualized on CT are iatrogenic.
- CT imaging plays a crucial role in the sensitive detection of iatrogenic gas collections.
- Understanding the origin of gas collections aids in accurate diagnosis and patient management.