Gas Where It Shouldn't Be! Imaging Spectrum of Emphysematous Infections in the Abdomen and Pelvis

Pankaj Nepal, Vijayanadh Ojili, Neeraj Kaur, Sree Harsha Tirumani, Arpit Nagar

AJR Am J Roentgenol . 2021 Mar;216(3):812-823. doi: 10.2214/AJR.20.23545. Epub 2021 Jan 13.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging features, differential diagnoses, and management of emphysematous infections of the abdomen and pelvis.

CONCLUSION. Emphysematous infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality and thus need urgent medical and surgical interventions. CT is the most sensitive modality to detect gas; CT provides definitive diagnosis in most cases and can depict the extent of involvement.