Abdominal imaging
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The purpose of this study was to explore the accuracy of multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT), using a biphasic mesenteric angiography protocol for evaluation of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). In total, 79 consecutive patients with clinical signs of AMI underwent contrast enhanced 16- or 40-channel MDCT. MDCT findings were correlated with surgery, endoscopy and clinical outcome. ⋯ In 27 patients (96.4%) MDCT correctly diagnosed AMI (specificity of 97.9%). A sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 100%, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 94%, respectively were achieved for the CT findings of visceral artery occlusion, intestinal pneumatosis, portomesenteric venous gas or bowel wall thickening in combination with either portomesenteric thrombosis or solid organ infarction. Our findings suggest that mesenteric MDCT angiography is an accurate tool for fast diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected AMI.