CT and plain film correlation in the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia

CT scans and plain films in 12 cases of proved intestinal ischemia were correlated with regard to findings and demonstration of etiology (arterial and venous occlusive disease, or ''low-flow'' state). CT and plain film findings, respectively, included intrahepatic portal vein gas (33%/25%), mesenteric venous gas (45%/0%), mesenteric vascular congestion (67%/0%), mesenteric edema (58%/0%), pneumatosis intestinalis (50%/25%), mural edema (58%/17%), and intraluminal fluid and debris (83%/58%). Plain films were better for depicting pneumatosis intestinalis, intrahepatic portal vein gas, and excessive intraluminal fluid. Both plain radiography and CT play an important role in the evaluation of suspected intestinal ischemia