Hiroshi Imamura1, Jiro Hata2, Tamako Takata2. 1. Division of Endoscopy and Ultrasound, Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan. imamura@med.kawasaki-m.ac.jp. 2. Division of Endoscopy and Ultrasound, Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Diagnosis of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is difficult, with diagnostic imaging being mainly performed using angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) offers an alternative diagnostic method, although diagnosis of NOMI using CEUS is not common. In this report, we review CEUS findings in a series of patients with NOMI. METHODS: The records of patients diagnosed with NOMI who underwent a surgical procedure in our institution between January 2015 and February 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Grayscale ultrasonography and CEUS findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age 65 ± 25 years, 7 men) were studied. Grayscale ultrasonography revealed bowel dilatation, the presence of intestinal pneumatosis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, and no or decreased peristalsis. A CEUS finding of note was a partial lack of enhancement of the bowel wall. CONCLUSION: In a small case series of 10 patients with surgically/histopathology confirmed NOMI, partial lack of ultrasound contrast-enhancement of the bowel wall was observed.
PURPOSE: Diagnosis of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is difficult, with diagnostic imaging being mainly performed using angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) offers an alternative diagnostic method, although diagnosis of NOMI using CEUS is not common. In this report, we review CEUS findings in a series of patients with NOMI. METHODS: The records of patients diagnosed with NOMI who underwent a surgical procedure in our institution between January 2015 and February 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Grayscale ultrasonography and CEUS findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age 65 ± 25 years, 7 men) were studied. Grayscale ultrasonography revealed bowel dilatation, the presence of intestinal pneumatosis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, and no or decreased peristalsis. A CEUS finding of note was a partial lack of enhancement of the bowel wall. CONCLUSION: In a small case series of 10 patients with surgically/histopathology confirmed NOMI, partial lack of ultrasound contrast-enhancement of the bowel wall was observed.