Mesenteric ischemia x ray
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Feham Tariq, MD [2]
Overview
Plain radiographs such as X-ray abdomen can be helpful in ruling out other important causes of acute abdomen such as perforation. The sensitivity of this test is limited because it can show normal findings in as many as 25% of cases of mesenteric ischemia.
X Ray
Plain X-rays are often normal or show non-specific findings until bowel infarction has developed. They have limited significance in the diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric ischemia. However, a negative radiograph does not rule out mesenteric ischemia.
Findings shown on X-ray abdomen are:[1][2]
- Adyanamic ileus
- Bowel wall thickening from submucosal edema or hemorrhage
- Dilated bowel loops
- Pneumatosis in advanced cases of ischemia[3][4]
- Portal venous gas
- Intestinal perforation when occurs, presents as intraperitoneal air
References
- ↑ Smerud MJ, Johnson CD, Stephens DH (1990). “Diagnosis of bowel infarction: a comparison of plain films and CT scans in 23 cases”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 154 (1): 99–103. doi:10.2214/ajr.154.1.2104734. PMID 2104734.
- ↑ Oliva IB, Davarpanah AH, Rybicki FJ, Desjardins B, Flamm SD, Francois CJ; et al. (2013). “ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® imaging of mesenteric ischemia”. Abdom Imaging. 38 (4): 714–9. doi:10.1007/s00261-012-9975-2. PMID 23296712.
- ↑ Wiesner W, Mortelé KJ, Glickman JN, Ji H, Ros PR (2001). “Pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas in intestinal ischemia: correlation of CT findings with severity of ischemia and clinical outcome”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 177 (6): 1319–23. doi:10.2214/ajr.177.6.1771319. PMID 11717075.
- ↑ Kernagis LY, Levine MS, Jacobs JE (2003). “Pneumatosis intestinalis in patients with ischemia: correlation of CT findings with viability of the bowel”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 180 (3): 733–6. doi:10.2214/ajr.180.3.1800733. PMID 12591685.
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