Non-traumatic abdominal pain: assessment of diagnostic value of MDCT enterography in small bowel diseases—a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Because of its unique anatomy, overlap of its loops, and its continuous peristaltic motion, imaging of the small bowel is a big challenge. Non-traumatic abdominal pain of small bowel origin includes a spectrum of medical and surgical conditions ranging from minor to life-threatening conditions. Accurate diagnosis of these diseases is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to assess the role of MDCT enterography in evaluation and diagnosis of different small bowel causes of non-traumatic abdominal pain. Results Data analysis of 47 patients’ files included in this study revealed a high diagnostic accuracy of MDCTE in diagnosing variable small bowel-related pathologies that were confirmed histopathologically. Conclusion MDCTE can be used as a reliable diagnostic imaging modality for the detection of small bowel diseases. However, operative data and tissue biopsy are still the confirmatory method s for diagnosis.

Keywords

• CT enterography (CTE)
• Non-traumatic
• Abdominal pain