Intestinal ischemia: comparison of plain radiographic and computed tomographic findings.

Abstract

This article illustrates the radiographic and CT findings in 14 patients with proved intestinal ischemia or infarction. Gaseous bowel distention, thumbprinting and pneumatosis were the most frequent radiographic findings; intestinal distention, thickening of the bowel wall, engorgement of mesenteric vessels, and pneumatosis, the most frequent CT findings. The authors conclude that CT offers major advantages for evaluating patients suspected of having intestinal ischemia or infarction.