Computed tomography of entero-enteric intussusception

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Entero-enteric intussusception is a rare condition where one segment of the small intestine telescopes into another.
• Standard oral contrast medium examinations can be inconclusive for diagnosing intussusception.
• In vitro canine models were used to define characteristic computed tomographic (CT) findings.

Observation:

• Computed tomographic (CT) imaging was performed on surgically created intussusceptions in canine small bowel.
• The study identified specific CT signs associated with entero-enteric intussusception.
• These signs were then evaluated in human patients.

Findings:

• Characteristic CT findings include a dilated bowel loop (intussuscipiens) with a thickened wall.
• An eccentric soft tissue mass (intussusceptum) is present within the intussuscipiens.
• A crescentic low-density mass on the mesenteric side, representing the invaginated mesentery, is also observed.

Implications:

• The identified CT signs are effective in diagnosing entero-enteric intussusception.
• This diagnostic approach can aid in cases where standard contrast examinations are nondiagnostic.
• Accurate CT diagnosis can lead to timely and appropriate patient management.