Imaging of Uncommon Causes of Large-Bowel Obstruction

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2017 Nov;209(5):W277-W286. doi: 10.2214/AJR.16.17621. Epub 2017 Sep 5.

Abstract

Objective: The most common causes of large-bowel obstruction (LBO) are colon carcinoma and volvulus. Nevertheless, the increased frequency of the condition and widespread use of diagnostic imaging have revealed uncommon causes of LBO. We review the imaging features of the unusual causes of LBO on several imaging modalities, with particular emphasis on CT, along with the current literature.

Conclusion: We propose an algorithmic approach to the radiologic evaluation of the uncommon causes of LBO.

Keywords: bowel; colon; large bowel; large-bowel obstruction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*