Small-bowel bezoar versus small-bowel feces: CT evaluation

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Nov;191(5):1465-8. doi: 10.2214/AJR.07.4004.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of CT for differentiating small-bowel bezoar from small-bowel feces in cases of small-bowel obstruction (SBO).

Conclusion: In cases of SBO, although some CT features of bezoars and small-bowel feces overlap, a well-defined mass mottled with gas bubbles associated with an encapsulating wall, the newly described "floating fat-density debris" sign, and a lesion in the stomach that appears similar to the obstructing mass is typical of a small-bowel bezoar; an isolated amorphous mass mottled with gas bubbles is typical of small-bowel feces.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bezoars / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Feces*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Contents / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestine, Small / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*