Blunt trauma to the gastrointestinal tract: CT findings with small bowel and colon injuries

Abstract

The CT diagnosis of bowel injury is difficult and warrants an organized approach. Careful scrutiny of CT images for extraluminal gas or fluid and bowel wall thickening is required. Review of images of the entire abdomen and pelvis using lung window settings is recommended, followed by the analysis using soft tissue window settings. Specific search for extraluminal fluid collections with a triangular or matted appearance will help detect bowel injury.