Computed tomography of mesenteric involvement in fulminant pancreatitis

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Radiology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.147.1.6828726· OSTI ID:5578894

Jeffery, R B; Federle, M P; Laing, F C

Although extension into the mesentery has been recognized as a frequent pathway of extrapancreatic spread in acute pancreatitis, it has received relatively little attention in the computed tomography (CT) literature. The medical records and CT scans of 55 patients with severe pancreatitis were reviewed in this study; of these patients, 19 (35%) had mesenteric abnormalities, which in 11 patients (20%) represented the most extensive extrapancreatic site of the most extensive extrapancreatic site of involvement. In fulminant pancreatitis, dissection along the mesentery is an important pathway for spread of pancreatic abscesses or phlegmons. Clinical correlation suggests that a combination of mesenteric with lesser sac and anterior pararenal space involvement is frequently associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Of the 19 patients with mesenteric involvement, two died and 14 (74%) required surgery for abscesses, pseudocysts, or, in one case, a colonic fistula. The CT features of the normal mesentery and CT criteria for diagnosing mesenteric inflammatory lesions are reviewed.

• Research Organization: San Francisco General Hospital, CA
• OSTI ID: 5578894
• Journal Information: Radiology; (United States), Journal Name: Radiology; (United States) Vol. 147:1; ISSN RADLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550602* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Diagnostics-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ABSCESSES
BODY
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES
DISEASES
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
GLANDS
MEMBRANES
MESENTERY
ORGANS
PANCREAS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
SEROUS MEMBRANES
TOMOGRAPHY