Intraspinal gas associated with intestinal necrosis detected by CT

Clin Imaging. 1995 Jan-Mar;19(1):37-9. doi: 10.1016/0899-7071(93)00034-v.

Abstract

We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with necrosis of the small intestine and intraspinal collections of gas, which were detected using computed tomography (CT). Abdominal CT revealed extensive collections of gas in the portal and mesenteric veins and within the intestinal walls. Gas radiolucencies were also noted in the epidural spaces of her spine. This gas was considered to have migrated from the pelvic venous system into the internal venous plexus of the spine. Intestinal necrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal gas collections during CT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Epidural Space
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gases*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestine, Small / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestine, Small / pathology*
  • Mesenteric Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Canal / blood supply
  • Spinal Canal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Veins

Substances

  • Gases