Omental infarction as a delayed complication of abdominal surgery.
Omental infarction, an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain, is the result of compromised perfusion to the greater omentum. Although its etiology remains uncertain, predisposing factors include obesity [Surg. Today 30 (2000) 451], strenuous activity [N. Z. Med. J. 111 (1998) 211], trauma, and idiopathic omental torsion. Often confused with acute appendicitis or cholecystitis on clinical grounds [Surg. Today 30 (2000) 451], its diagnosis has traditionally been one of exclusion, based on intraoperative and pathologic findings. This diagnosis can be made radiologically based on the characteristic findings of an inflammatory mass containing fat and fluid. We describe a case of right lower quadrant omental infarction temporally related to bowel surgery.
Schwartzman
G J
GJ
Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Jacobs
J E
JE
Birnbaum
B A
BA
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007238:Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009852:Omentum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography