CT of Acute Abdomen

Epigastric Pain series 4 EXPERT COURSE Answer [EE Case 19]

Strangulated obstruction with no necrosis






Absence of ascites in epigastrium of Fig.2, Fig.3 and pelvic cavity of Fig.20 may indicate early stage even if small bowel is strangulated. Because Fig.5-Fig.7 show strong attenuation of mesentery (black arrowhead) and the dilated small bowel is gasless, strangulated bowel obstruction with closed loop should be suspected. 1 of Fig.17 occludes at 34 of Fig.12 and A at N of Fig.11, and presence of collapsed small bowel (SB) in Fig.12 and Fig.13 indicate closed loop obstruction of 1-34 and A-N. Absence of dilated simple obstruction suggests the early stage of strangulated bowel obstruction. Intestinal viability can not be evaluated on noncontrast (plain) CT. Surgery revealed strangulated small bowel obstruction with closed loop formation of jejunum by an adhesive band, but with no necrosis.













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