Computed Tomography of Miscellaneous Regional and Diffuse Small Bowel Disorders

Misty mesentery, ascites, and bowel wall thickening in a child: Diagnostic clue for intestinal lymphangiectasia

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by lymphatic system obstruction, resulting in the leakage of lymph into the bowel lumen. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with recurrent diarrhea and weight loss. On examination, bilateral pitting edema in the lower limbs was observed. Laboratory investigations revealed hypoalbuminemia and lymphopenia. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed thickening of the jejunum, echogenic fat islands, and enlarged lymph nodes in the mesentery. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic biopsy. The patient was managed with a high-protein diet and replacement of the long-chain triglycerides with medium-chain triglycerides. Gradual improvement in symptoms was observed with regular follow-up. PIL is a protein-losing enteropathy that causes hypoproteinemia, hypolymphopenia, and hypoglobulinemia. PIL usually presents with peripheral edema, weight loss, abdominal pain, and chronic diarrhea. Diagnosis is based on characteristic endoscopic and histopathologic findings. Management involves a multidisciplinary approach, including nutritional modifications, medical therapy, and, in rare cases, surgical resection. PIL remains a challenging diagnosis due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Clinicians should maintain awareness of this disorder for prompt identification and management.

[Incidental and "leave me alone" findings in the GI tract-part 1 : Intestinal lumen and intestinal wall]

CLINICAL PROBLEM

Due to the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) asymptomatic incidental findings of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) are increasingly being recognized. Incidental findings are frequently not part of the primary inquiry from referring physicians but it is obligatory to make a diagnosis and to stipulate the need for further clarification.

RADIOLOGICAL STANDARD PROCEDURES

A multitude of incidental findings in the intestinal lumen, in the intestinal wall and in the adjacent mesenterium or subperitoneal space are shown in CT and MRI.

METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND ASSESSMENT

The first part of the two-part overview addresses the intestinal incidental findings in the lumen, such as coproliths, invaginations, mucoceles and chronic dilatations. In the intestinal wall, thickenings of neoplastic and nonneoplastic origins are discussed. Many of the findings can be classified as benign and as "leave me alone lesions" do not necessitate any further clarification but in contrast others need a definitive clarification. The most important incidental findings in the GI tract are systematically classified, illustrated and evaluated with respect to the clinical relevance, depending on the localization (e.g. stomach, small and large intestines).

Spectrum and Relevance of Incidental Bowel Findings on Computed Tomography

A wide spectrum of incidental bowel findings can be seen on CT, including but not limited to, pneumatosis intestinalis, diverticular disease, non-obstructive bowel dilatation, transient small bowel intussusception, and submucosal fat. Radiologists should be aware that such findings are almost always benign and of little clinical significance in the absence of associated symptoms. Conversely, vigilance must be maintained when evaluating the bowel, because malignant neoplasms occasionally come to clinical attention as incidental imaging findings. When suspicious incidental bowel wall thickening is detected, the radiologist can alert the clinical team to the finding prior to the patient becoming symptomatic, potentially leading to definitive management at an early, more curable stage.

Radiation-induced effects to nontarget abdominal and pelvic viscera

Radiation injuries often occur during or after radiation therapy in the abdomen or pelvis. Although any organ in the abdomen or pelvis may be exposed to and injured by radiation therapy directed to a nearby organ, this article focuses on more frequently encountered imaging findings of inadvertent radiation damage. It is important for the radiologist to be familiar with the imaging appearances of inadvertent radiation damage to abdominopelvic viscera in order to sustain clinical relevance and not mistake radiation injuries for other entities.