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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-23847
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (educational)
Authorblock: U. Tupputi1, C. Leuci1, M. Lombardi1, C. Rutigliano1, M. Lelario2, T. Scarabino1; 1Andria/IT, 2Barletta/IT
Disclosures:
Umberto Tupputi: Nothing to disclose
Carla Leuci: Nothing to disclose
Mariangela Lombardi: Nothing to disclose
Claudia Rutigliano: Nothing to disclose
Maurizio Lelario: Nothing to disclose
Tommaso Scarabino: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Abdomen, Colon, Gastrointestinal tract, CT, Diagnostic procedure, Inflammation
Learning objectives This educational poster aims to describe the diagnostic imaging characteristics of epiploic appendagitis, a rare and self-limiting inflammatory condition of the epiploic appendages. Prompt and accurate identification of this condition is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions and to differentiate it from other causes of acute abdominal pain, such as diverticulitis or appendicitis [1,2].
Read more Background Epiploic appendagitis results from ischemic inflammation due to torsion or thrombosis of the vascular supply of the epiploic appendages. While rare, it can present with acute abdominal pain that mimics more serious conditions, leading to potential misdiagnosis. CT is the primary imaging modality for diagnosis, offering high specificity by revealing characteristic findings. We reviewed imaging features from cases and relevant literature to identify the most reliable diagnostic signs on CT [3,4].
Read more Findings and procedure details On CT, epiploic appendagitis appears as a small, fat-density, oval lesion adjacent to the colon, typically measuring between 1 to 4 cm, with a hyperattenuating rim and often a central dot, representing the thrombosed vein. The lesion’s fat density differentiates it from other soft tissue masses, while the hyperattenuating rim reflects peritoneal inflammation encircling the appendage, a feature that becomes more evident with contrast enhancement. The central dot sign, indicative of a thrombosed vein, is a hallmark feature that enhances...
Read more Conclusion Recognizing the specific imaging features of epiploic appendagitis on CT is essential for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions. This rare inflammatory condition can be effectively managed conservatively once correctly identified, underscoring the importance of awareness and precise radiologic assessment in cases of acute abdominal pain [7].
Read more References Sand, M., Gelos, M., Bechara, F. G., Sand, D., Wiese, T. H., Steinstraesser, L., & Mann, B. (2007). Epiploic appendagitis – clinical characteristics of an uncommon surgical diagnosis. *BMC Surgery, 7*(11). [https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2482-7-11](https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2482-7-11). Giambelluca, D., Cannella, R., Caruana, G., & Midiri, M. (2021). Imaging findings of uncommon acute non-traumatic abdominal conditions. *Insights into Imaging, 12*(1), 1-12. [https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-021-01000-y](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-021-01000-y). Singh, A. K., Gervais, D. A., Hahn, P. F., Sagar, P., Mueller, P. R., & Novelline, R. A. (2004). Acute epiploic appendagitis and its mimics. *Radiographics,...
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