1.Value of CT in the Discrimination of Fatal from Non-Fatal Stercoral Colitis.
Cheng Hsien WU ; Chen Chih HUANG ; Li Jen WANG ; Yon Cheong WONG ; Chao Jan WANG ; Wan Chak LO ; Being Chuan LIN ; Yung Liang WAN ; Chuen HSUEH
Korean Journal of Radiology 2012;13(3):283-289
OBJECTIVE: Clinical presentation and physical signs may be unreliable in the diagnosis of stercoral colitis (SC). This study evaluates the value of computed tomography (CT) in distinguishing fatal from non-fatal SC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients diagnosed as SC were obtained from inter-specialist conferences. Additional 13 patients with suspected SC were identified via the Radiology Information System (RIS). These patients were divided into two groups; fatal and non-fatal SCs. Their CT images are reviewed by two board-certified radiologists blinded to the clinical data and radiographic reports. RESULTS: SC occurred in older patients and displayed no gender predisposition. There was significant correlation between fatal SC and CT findings of dense mucosa (p = 0.017), perfusion defects (p = 0.026), ascites (p = 0.023), or abnormal gas (p = 0.033). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of dense mucosa were 71%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. These figures were 75%, 79%, and 77% for perfusion defects; 75%, 80%, and 78% for ascites; and 50%, 93%, and 78% for abnormal gas, respectively. Each CT sign of mucosal sloughing and pericolonic abscess displayed high specificity of 100% and 93% for diagnosing fatal SC, respectively. However, this did not reach statistical significance in diagnosing fatal SC. CONCLUSION: CT appears to be valuable in discriminating fatal from non-fatal SC.
Adult
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Chi-Square Distribution
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Colitis/mortality/*radiography
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Contrast Media/diagnostic use
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Fecal Impaction/mortality/*radiography
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Retrospective Studies
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Risk Factors
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Sensitivity and Specificity
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Statistics, Nonparametric
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Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods