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MDCT features of strangulated ileus due to an appendix epiploica of the sigmoid colon: four cases and a review of the literature

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features of strangulated ileus caused by epiploic appendix of the sigmoid colon.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated MDCT images of four patients who underwent surgery in our hospital between 2011 and 2014. Patients were aged from 66 to 79 years, and two were female.

Results

Closed loop obstruction of the small bowel was confirmed in all patients. A fatty peritoneal band around the orifice of the ileus was detected in two patients, but was equivocal in the other two patients. Traction of the sigmoid colon toward the hilum of the closed loop of the small bowel was obvious in three patients.

Conclusion

When traction of the sigmoid colon is detected in MDCT in a case of closed loop obstruction of the small bowel, strangulated ileus caused by an epiploic appendix should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

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Correspondence to Yoshiko Sagara.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Research involving human and animal participants

All procedures performed in the studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Institutional review board approval is not required for retrospective studies at our institution.

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Sagara, Y., Matsumoto, S., Oga, M. et al. MDCT features of strangulated ileus due to an appendix epiploica of the sigmoid colon: four cases and a review of the literature. Abdom Radiol 41, 1722–1727 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-016-0835-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-016-0835-3

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