Keywords:
Abdomen, Gastrointestinal tract, Emergency, CT, Complications, Inflammation
Authors:
P. Carcione, G. Lo Re, G. Maniaci, G. Carcione, M. C. Galfano, M. Galia, G. La Tona, S. Salerno, M. Midiri; Palermo/IT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-0597
Conclusion
PEA is very rare and because of non specific symptoms and signs,
it is often misdiagnosed: today this condition can be well recognised with a good confidence with MDCT.
The most common CT features we found is an oval lesion less than 5 cm that has an attenuation equivalent to that of fat,
that abuts the anterior colonic wall and that is surrounded by inflammatory changes.
Thickening of the parietal peritoneum and of the colonic wall also may be observed.
Inflammation of epiplooic appendages in self-limited in the majority of patients,
but rarely may result in adhesion,
bowel obstruction,
intussusception,
peritonitis and abscess formation.
On MDCT,
PEA has a predictable appearance in terms of location,
size and density.
High resolution MPR imaging helps improve diagnostic confidence (site and adverse features) compared with standard axial images.
C.e.
MDCT in an useful non-invasive method for differential diagnosis of acute PEA which helps avoiding unnecessary surgery in most patients .
The appropriate management of this condition is conservative,
and the radiologist can provide guidance to supportive management.