Shock bowel following massive pulmonary embolism.
Wide-spread abnormalities of the small bowel on CT scan after massive pulmonary embolism and acute hemodynamic collapse are described. These small bowel abnormalities are secondary to hypotension with prolonged hypoperfusion. They consist of diffuse thickening of the small-bowel wall, fluid-filled, dilated loops and increased contrast enhancement of the small-bowel wall (shock bowel). These abnormalities are reversible and should be distinguished from acute vascular occlusion.
De Backer
A I
AI
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
De Schepper
A M
AM
Hubens
G
G
Vaneerdeweg
W
W
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000150:complications; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012769:Shock / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media