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Primary epiploic appendagitis: US and CT findings
E Mollà1, T Ripollés, M J Martínez
1Department of Radiology, Hospital Dr. Peset, C/ Gaspar Aguilar, 90, E-46017 Valencia, Spain.
European Radiology
|May 2, 1998
Summary
Epiploic appendagitis, an inflammation of the omental appendages, is more common than previously thought. Characteristic ultrasound and CT findings aid in its diagnosis, differentiating it from conditions like diverticulitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Epiploic appendagitis is an uncommon, benign cause of acute abdominal pain.
- It often mimics other intra-abdominal pathologies, leading to diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of epiploic appendagitis.
- To describe clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features.
- To determine the frequency of epiploic appendagitis in patients suspected of diverticulitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven cases of epiploic appendagitis.
- Analysis of clinical, laboratory, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) data.
- Histopathologic examination in one surgically confirmed case.
- Calculation of frequency in patients undergoing abdominal US for suspected diverticulitis.
Main Results:
- Clinical presentation was nonspecific, mimicking diverticulitis or appendicitis.
- US revealed a characteristic hyperechoic, fixed mass without Doppler flow.
- CT showed a peripheral hyperattenuated rim with central fatty attenuation.
- Epiploic appendagitis was found in 7.1% of patients investigated for sigmoid diverticulitis.
Conclusions:
- Epiploic appendagitis presents with specific US and CT findings enabling diagnosis.
- This condition is more frequent than previously reported, particularly in patients evaluated for diverticulitis.
- Non-invasive imaging can reliably diagnose and monitor epiploic appendagitis, avoiding unnecessary surgery.