Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Abdomen, Emergency, Vascular, CT, Computer Applications-Detection, diagnosis, Education, Acute, Blood
Authors:
S. Amante1, M. Chaves1, R. Sousa1, A. Mesquita1, S. Dutra1, R. Amaral1, R. M. A. Cruz2; 1Ponta Delgada/PT, 2ponta delgada, aç/PT
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-2986
Background
CT hypoperfusion complex consists of a constellation of imaging findings that arise in the presence of severe hypotension.
In this context,
several abdominal organs may present atypical appearances,
which are unrelated to initial injury but are secondary to perfusion alterations of hypovolemia.
Post-traumatic hypovolaemic shock,
septic shock,
head or spinal injury,
bacterial endocarditis and diabetic ketoacidosis are some recognized causes of hypotension/hypoperfusion,
with almost identical body homeostatic response and therefore similar manifestations on CT.
In the beginning,
the clinical of shock,
such as hypotension and tachycardia,
may not be evident or present.
Thus,
the radiologist plays an important role,
recognizing the main imaging features of CT hypoperfusion complex,
helping to predict clinical illness severity and ensuring optimal therapeutic management of these patients.