Large Bowel Obstruction in the Emergency Department: Imaging Spectrum of Common and Uncommon Causes

Subramaniyan Ramanathan, Vijayanadh Ojili, Ravi Vassa, Arpit Nagar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although large bowel obstruction (LBO) is less common than small bowel obstruction, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to delayed diagnosis and/or treatment. Plain radiographs are sufficient to diagnose LBO in a majority of patients. However, further evaluation with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has become the standard of care to identify the site, severity, and etiology of obstruction. In this comprehensive review, we illustrate the various causes of LBO emphasizing the role of MDCT in the initial diagnosis and detection of complications along with the tips to differentiate from disease which can mimic LBO.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number203884
JournalJournal of Clinical Imaging Science
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Keywords

  • Diverticulitis
  • large bowel obstruction
  • multidetector computed tomography
  • neoplastic
  • pseudo-obstruction
  • volvulus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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