Diagnostic Accuracy of Multidetector CT in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Purpose: To evaluate the role of MDCT in assessment of patients with suspected mesenteric ischemia. Patients and Methods: MDCT study of 18 patients with acute mesenteric ischemia, their ages ranged from 14-82 years, 12 male and 6 female. MDCT was used, Triphasic study was performed (pre-contrast, arterial phase, porto-venous phase and delayed phase). Findings are matched with histopathological results, clinical and surgical data for operable cases. Results: Study revealed arterial thrombosis in 8 cases, bowel wall enhancement at the arterial phase seen in 13 cases. Wall enhancement at porto venous phase in 16 cases. Portal vein air in one case. Bowel wall air in 6 cases other features of bowel ischemia as fluid collection within bowel and wall thickening was found in all cases. Conclusion: An accurate and early diagnosis is essential for the appropriate and successful treatment of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia to improve their prognoses. With the advances in MDCT technology, CT has realized a high diagnostic performance and become an essential diagnostic tool in this clinical setting.