Utility of CT value measurement of fluid accumulated in the expanded intestinal lumen in the diagnosis of strangulated small bowel obstruction

We studied the efficacy of CT measurement (Hounsfield Unit) of fluid accumulating in the expanded intestinal lumen in a case of strangulated small bowel obstruction. Subjects were 34 patients with small bowel obstruction whose fluid accumulated in the expanded intestinal lumen and ascites were measured by CT. Based on the clinical course and/or operative findings, subjects were divided into 2 groups of 11 with strangulated small bowel obstruction and 23 without, and CT measurement of fluid accumulated in the expanded intestinal lumen and those of ascites compared, CT measurement of fluid accumulated in the expanded intestinal lumen was 28.5±8.5 HU in the strangulated group and 18.3±6.5 HU in the non strangulated group, showing significant statistical difference (p<0.01). We regard the cutoff point of the strangulated group to be 22 HU by analysis of the receiver operating characteristic. CT measurement of ascites showed no significant difference. CT measurement of fluid accumulated in the expanded intestinal lumen is considered useful in the diagnosis of strangulated small bowel obstruction. (author)