title: Role of CT in the diagnosis of jejunal-ileal perforations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) signs of free and covered small-bowel perforations and the potential of CT in recognising the aetiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five patients with surgically proven small-bowel perforation were retrospectively evaluated. Fundamental signs (extraluminal air, solution of continuity) and secondary signs (thickening of the mesentery, free or perilesional fluid, wall thickening) were considered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CT alterations were found in 31/35 (88.6%) patients: extraluminal air (30/35, 85.7%), solution of continuity (11/35, 31.4%), intra-abdominal fluid (27/35, 77.1%), thickening of the mesentery (20/35, 57.1%), and wall thickening (14/35, 40%). In 25/35 cases (71.4%) pneumoperitoneum was detected, associated with secondary signs (23/25, 82%), confirmed as free perforations at surgery. In 5/35 patients (14.2%), peri-intestinal air bubbles and secondary signs were evident, while in 1/35 cases (2.8%) only secondary signs were seen, namely covered perforations. In 4/35 patients (11.4%) with a covered perforation, the CT scan was negative. The nature of the perforations was completely recognisable in 26/31 cases (83.9%), partially identifiable in 4/31 (12.9%), not evident in 1/31 (3.2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CT investigation is essential in the recognition of a small-bowel perforation and in the definition of its nature.
authors.affiliation: DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Aldo Moro University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy, marirosacristallo@alice.it.
authors.forename: Marirosa Cristallo
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Lacalamita
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moschetta
authors.forename: Maria Elisabetta
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Arnaldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scardapane
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Angelelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007077:Ileal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007579:Jejunal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed