The role of multi detector computed tomography in diagnosis of mesenteric vascular occlusion

Objective

To assess the role of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis of mesenteric vascular occlusion.

Patients and methods

This study was performed on 30 patients clinically suspected and radiologically confirmed to have mesenteric vascular occlusion, they were examined with 64 row MSCT and were evaluated for evidence of bowel wall changes and abnormal mesenteric vascular changes.

Results

We found that the most prevalent MSCT findings were bowel wall thickening followed by diminished wall enhancement. MSCT gave an accurate diagnosis of the cause of mesenteric vascular occlusion as proved by the final diagnosis based on surgical exploration, laboratory investigations and clinical follow-up.

Conclusion

MSCT is accurate, fast and non invasive technique which should be used in clinically suspected patients with MVO in order to confirm the diagnosis, identify the aetiology and in addition assessing the bowel loop status for adequate management with good prognosis.