Imaging of Ischemia, Obstruction and Infection in the Abdomen

Radiol Clin North Am. 2015 Jul;53(4):847-69, ix-x. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2015.02.008.

Abstract

Intestinal ischemia is a serious condition that continues to be associated with mortalities in excess of 70%. Intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal tract sepsis are common conditions, accounting for a large proportion of patients admitted to emergency departments with acute abdominal symptoms. This article discusses the imaging methods and key findings of these entities in the emergency radiology department. The article includes imaging examples, diagnostic options, protocol selections, diagnostic criteria, and differential diagnoses.

Keywords: Acute abdomen; Bowel; Colon; Computed tomography; Intestinal ischemia; Intestinal obstruction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / blood supply*
  • Abdomen / pathology
  • Abdomen, Acute / diagnosis*
  • Abdomen, Acute / etiology
  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Enteritis / complications
  • Enteritis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / complications
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Ischemia / complications
  • Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Radiography, Abdominal / methods