title: Computed tomographic evaluation of mesentery:  diagnostic value in acute mesenteric ischemia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the computed tomographic appearances of mesentery in acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) to recognize characteristic features and their prognostic values.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computed tomographic examinations of 34 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AMI were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the number of mesenteric vessels, diameter of the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein, mesenteric fat stranding, mesenteric vessel pneumatosis and ascites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, at least one of these mesenteric signs was present in all but 1 patient. In all AMI of arterial occlusive type and in 68% of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia, the number of arterial vessels was reduced (P = 0.067). Mesenteric vessel pneumatosis and reduced number of venous vessels were significantly associated with higher mortality (P = 0.027 and P = 0.042, respectively). Reperfusion signs were associated with a reduced mortality (28.7% vs 65.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering its characteristic features and its possible prognostic value, the evaluation of mesentery will supply additional information in the interpretation of computed tomography in AMI.
authors.affiliation: Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. mariaantonietta.mazzei@unisi.it
authors.forename: Maria Antonietta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mazzei
authors.forename: Francesco Giuseppe
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Mazzei
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marrelli
authors.forename: Giusi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Imbriaco
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerrini
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vindigni
authors.forename: Serenella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Civitelli
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Roviello
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Volterrani
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007479:Iopamidol; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D007479:Iopamidol