Pseudomembranous colitis

This paper compares the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographs in detection and diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis. In 18 patients with pseudomembranous colitis, abdominal CT scans and plain radiographs were obtained the same day; another underwent a barium enema study 4 days later. Ten patients had follow-up abdominal radiographs. CT findings were abnormal in 17 patients, showing thickened bowel wall (17), ascites (five), and mesenteric stranding (four; in one patient, trapped contrast material in inflamed cecal folds simulated perforation. Plain radiographic results were positive at the time of CT in only three severe cases, showing markedly thickened folds in the same distribution as the wall thickening on the CT scans