Epiploic appendagitis and omental infarction: pitfalls and look-alikes.
Epiploic appendagitis and omental infarction are benign self-limiting conditions that are more frequent than generally assumed. Both disorders frequently mimic symptoms of an abdominal surgical emergency, often leading to clinical misdiagnosis of appendicitis or diverticulitis. Because a misdiagnosis can result in an unnecessary laparotomy, a correct diagnosis is of great importance. Ultrasound and computed tomography can be used to make a reliable diagnosis. This pictorial essay illustrates the various ultrasonographic and computed tomographic appearances of epiploic appendagitis and omental infarction and focuses on their radiologic differential diagnoses and pitfalls.
van Breda Vriesman
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AC
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, MCH Westeinde Hospital, Lijnbaan 32, P. O. Box 432, NL-2501 CK, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Puylaert
J B C M
JB
D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009852:Omentum / Q000473:pathology*; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography