Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT scan) is often used. The accuracy of the CT scan depends on whether a small bowel obstruction (SBO) is present.
SBO absent
- prevalence of mesenteric ischemia 23%
- sensitivity 64%
- specificity 92%
- positive predictive value (at prevalence of 23%) 79%
- negative predictive value (at prevalence of 23%) 95%
SBO present
- prevalence of mesenteric ischemia 62%
- sensitivity 83%
- specificity 93%
- positive predictive value (at prevalence of 62%) 93%
- negative predictive value (at prevalence of 62%) 61%
Findings on CT scan include:
- Mesenteric edema
- Bowel dilatation
- Bowel wall thickening
- Intramural gas
- Mesenteric stranding
Read more about this topic: Mesenteric Ischemia, Diagnosis