Un segno di occlusione dell'intestino tenue con tomografia computerizzata: Il contenuto fecaloide

Purpose: To assess the frequency, significance, and diagnostic role of a recently described CT sign of small bowel obstruction, the feces-like content of the enteric lumen (the small bowel feces sign). Material and methods: 82 cases of small bowel obstruction, studied with CT in the last 5 years, were retrospectively reviewed to identify possible feces-like luminal content of the dilated loops above the obstruction. Results: The feces sign was identified in 6 cases of small bowel obstruction (7.3%), always within ileal loops. In 5 of 6 cases there was a simple and progressive obstruction while in one there was a hyperacute onset with intestinal strangulation. Conclusion: In our experience this sign is relatively uncommon. It is due to the intraluminal pooling of enteric material and is generally present in subacute obstruction. The sign seems to be rather specific and may represent a useful accessory diagnostic element.