Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether (a) the inferior vena cava (IVC) is
compressed in bowel obstruction and (b) some tracts are more compressed than
others.
METHODS: Two groups of abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations were
collected retrospectively. Group O (N = 69) scans were positive for bowel
obstruction, group C (N = 50) scans were negative for diseases. IVC
anteroposterior and lateral diameters (APD, LAD) were assessed at seven levels.
RESULTS: In group C, IVC section had an elliptic shape (APD/LAD: .76 ± .14), the
area of which increased gradually from 1.9 (confluence of the iliac veins) to
3.1 cm²/m² of BSA (confluence of the hepatic veins) with a significant narrowing
in the hepatic section. In group O, bowel obstruction caused a compression of IVC
(APD/LAD: .54 ± .17). Along its course, IVC section area increased from 1.3 to
2.5 cm²/m². At ROC curve analysis, an APD/LAD ratio lower than 0.63 above the
confluence of the iliac veins discriminated between O and C groups with
sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 96%.
CONCLUSIONS: Bowel obstruction caused a compression of IVC, which involved its
entire course except for the terminal section. APD/LAD ratio may be useful to
monitor the degree of compression.
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 469297-469297 |
Numero di pagine | 8 |
Rivista | BioMed Research International |
Volume | 2013 |
DOI | |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2013 |
Keywords
- bowel obstruction
- inferior vena cava