Multidetector-row CT findings of colonic perforation: direct visualization of ruptured colonic wall.
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.


RESULTS
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%).


CONCLUSIONS
Abdominal contrast-enhanced MD-CT may improve the accuracy of diagnosis and localization of colonic perforation.
Miki
T
T
Department of Radiology, Sendai Citizen Hospital, Japan. tesshou@po.synapse.ne.jp
Ogata
S
S
Uto
M
M
Nakazono
T
T
Urata
M
M
Ishibe
R
R
Shinyama
S
S
Nakajo
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*