Delayed enhancement of the bowel wall: a new CT sign of small bowel strangulation.

PURPOSE

To report a new CT sign of small bowel strangulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two cases of small bowel obstruction evaluated by spiral CT with intravenous contrast injection.

RESULTS

In both cases we observed an absence of parietal enhancement of the diseased bowel loop, visible on early scans only. This feature was accompanied by signs of bowel obstruction. The two patients had a segment of necrotic ileum resected.

CONCLUSION

Delayed enhancement of a bowel loop in cases of small bowel obstruction should suggest the diagnosis of strangulation and lead to rapid surgical treatment.