Semiología del intestino en Tomografía Computada: del blanco al negro / Radiological attenuation in CAT scan of bowel wall thickenings

RESUMEN

En este artículo, basado en el análisis retrospectivo de 67 tomografías computadas de abdomen-pelvis de los últimos tres años, presentaremos las características de la pared intestinal, en particular su coeficiente de atenuación, como metodología para orientar el diagnóstico diferencial de engrasamientos de la pared intestinal.

ABSTRACT

Background: CAT scan is used for the diagnosis of abdominal pain and bowel lesions. Bowel wall thickening is an unspecific finding, but the analysis of the radiological attenuation of the wall and its morphology can be helpful diagnostic hints. Aim: To analyze the diagnostic value of radiological attenuation of bowel wall thickenings. Material and methods: Retrospective review of 67 CAT scans (performed in 44 women and 23 males, aged 12 to 89 years), where a bowel wall thickening was observed. The intensity of radiological attenuation of thickening was grouped in five categories, from white to black and denominated as white, grey, water hale, fat hale and black patterns. Results: The most common patterns observed were grey and water hale in 42 and 43 percent of cases, respectively. These patterns corresponded mostly to inflammatory, infectious, vascular and tumor lesions. Ischemic intestinal lesions had a white pattern. Conclusions: The radiological attenuation pattern of bowel wall thickenings can be helpful for etiological diagnosis.