Small Bowel CT Appearances

Radiation Enteritis CT Findings

• Acute:
  • Mucosal hyperenhancement
  • Wall thickening
  • Ulcer formation
  • Interloop edema
  • Regional free fluid
  • Pneumatosis
• Chronic:
  • Submucosal thickening
  • Stricturing
  • Formation of fistulae
  • Luminal narrowing

Other Information About Radiation Enteritis

Etiology:

• Caused by radiation treatment to the abdomen

Epidemiology:

• Very common
• Anyone who undergoes radiation treatment is susceptible to radiation enteritis

Presentation:

• Anorexia
• Abdominal pain
• Distended abdomen
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Painful bowel movements
• Hematochezia

Prognosis:

• Radiation enteritis is usually benign and will go away on its own over time. However perforation can occur.

Related Pearls: Inflammatory Disease

Related Lectures:
CT of the Small Bowel: Complications of Therapy and How They Mimic Pathology - Part 1
CT of the Small Bowel: Inflammatory Disease - Part 2
CT of the Small Bowel: Complications of Therapy and How They Mimic Pathology - Part 2
Abdominal Pain in the ER: GI Pathology - Part 2