Colorectal emergencies and related complications: a comprehensive imaging review--imaging of colitis and complications

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014 Dec;203(6):1205-16. doi: 10.2214/AJR.13.12250.

Abstract

Objective: Colorectal emergencies are a common presentation in the emergency medicine setting and their timely diagnosis plays a crucial role in avoiding dreaded complications. The quintessential role of a radiologist lies in identifying the cause, narrowing the differential diagnosis according to imaging features, and, most importantly, identifying the associated complications.

Conclusion: This review focuses on imaging features of the spectrum of colitides and the complications related to colitides.

Keywords: CT; bowel perforation; colitis; diverticulitis; pericolonic abscess.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Colitis / complications
  • Colitis / diagnosis*
  • Crohn Disease / complications
  • Crohn Disease / diagnosis*
  • Emergency Medical Services / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Diseases / complications
  • Rectal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Young Adult