When and why use unenhanced computed tomography in patients with acute abdomen

Abstract

The use of unenhanced computed tomography has been frequently recommended for the initial assessment of patients with clinical suspicion of acute abdomen instead of other diagnostic methods. The authors present a review of the literature on the main aspects, advantages, limitations and efficacy of unenhanced computed tomography for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, renal colic, diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, primary epiploic appendicitis, pneumoperitoneum and small bowel obstruction. The advantages and limitations of this technique are also discussed.