Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Abdomen, Emergency, CT, Plain radiographic studies, Ultrasound, Education, Acute, Infection
Authors:
N. Poole, S. Fossey, J. Black; Brighton/UK
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2021/C-12258
Background
Emphysematous conditions of the abdomen and pelvis are a result of a broad spectrum of diseases. Emphysematous infections represent potentially life-threatening conditions that require aggressive medical and often surgical management. Initial clinical manifestations may be non-specific and insidious with progression to sepsis without early intervention.
Emphysematous infection is strongly associated with diabetes mellitus (1), and is usually caused by gram negative bacteria e.g. Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae (2, 3). The severity and treatment of the underlying conditions varies immensely and so accurate differentiation between them is essential. CT is highly sensitive and specific to the detection of abnormal gas (1, 4-6).