Published in:
01-11-2004 | Original article
Multidetector-row CT findings of colonic perforation: direct visualization of ruptured colonic wall
Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 6/2004
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Background: We examined the findings of contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography (MD-CT) in patients with colonic perforation.
Methods: Abdominal contrast-enhanced MD-CT findings in six patients with colonic perforation were reviewed retrospectively. Patients (three men and three women) were 74 to 88 years old (mean age = 78 years). Colonic perforation was confirmed by surgery. CT findings were correlated with surgical and pathologic findings.
Result: The site of colonic perforation was suggested by the following combination of CT findings: free air, dirty mass, dirty fat sign, extraluminal fluid collection, bowel wall thickening, and interruption of colonic wall. The ruptured colonic wall was directly visualized in four cases (67%).
Conclusion: Abdominal contrast-enhanced MD-CT may improve the accuracy of diagnosis and localization of colonic perforation.