Bowel infarction with splenic air embolism: computed tomography findings

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly as an early radiological examination in patients with suspected bowel infarction because it provides information about the intestinal wall, mesenteric circulation and peritoneal cavity [1, 2]. Other disorders that present with similar symptoms such as intraabdominal abscess, pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis can be excluded [3]. CT can demonstrate small amounts of air within the bowel wall, in the spleno-mesenteric-portal venous system and in the peritoneal cavity, making it possible to differentiate portal venous gas from pneumobilia. The authors describe a patient in whom a specific diagnosis of bowel infarction was made on the characteristic CT findings. Furthermore, air embolism was observed in the splenic parenchyma. This finding has not been previously reported in bowel infarction or in any other abdominal disorder.