CT FINDINGS OF BOWEL AND MESENTERIC INJURY

Bowel and mesenteric injuries are common sequelae of blunt abdominal t rauma. CT represents a valuable modality in the diagnosis of bowel aed mesenteric injuries. While certain findings on CT are highly specific , such as free air and extravasation of oral contrast agent, they are insensitive and seen only in the minority of patients. Therefore, radi ologists must focus their attention on the bowel wall and mesentery to improve their diagnostic accuracy in these injuries. Bowel wall thick ening and/or abnormal bowel wall enhancement must be noted. Mesenteric abnormalities, which can consist of mesenteric infiltration, interloo p fluid, or fluid trapped in the leaves of the small bowel mesentery, may be crucial yet subtle clues. Knowledge of their typical appearance may aid in their diagnosis. This pictorial essay illustrates the rang e of findings in bowel and mesenteric injuries as well as possible pit falls to help in their prompt recognition and diagnosis.