Isabelle Boulay-Coletta MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marc Zins MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeremy Boutboul, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bertrand Bessoud, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean Louis Berrod, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the prevalence of “small bowel feces sign” (SBFS) on CT in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO), to determine the clinical factors associated with SBFS and to assess the role of SBFS in locating the transition zone.

78 consecutive patients with SBO were retrospectively studied. All CT scans (n=80) were independently reviewed by three investigators: two senior radiologists (S1 and S2) and one junior (J). The CT signs studied were: identification of the transition zone, degree of obstruction, presence of SBFS and position of the SBFS relative to the transition zone. The clinical variables studied were: delay between the occurrence of the pain and the performance of CT and presence of a nasogastric tube when the CT was performed.

The prevalence of SBFS was 43% with a significant increase (55% vs 27%, p<0,01) in the group without nasogastric tube. SBFS was found in 88% of cases proximal to the transition zone. The percentage of agreement for localisation of the transition zone increased in two groups of reviewers in case of "SBFS" (S1-S2: 77% vs 44%, p<0.01 and S2-J: 51 % vs 27%, p<0.025). SBFS was present in 50% of high grade versus 8% of low grade obstruction (p<0.01). SBFS was present in 56% of patients with initial clinical symptoms occurring for less than 48 hours preceding CT versus 26% for more than 48 hours (p<0.05).

SBFS is a frequent sign in CT of SBO. It is helpful and adds confidence to locate the transition zone. It occurs early and mainly in high grade obstruction.

Small Bowel Feces Sign is a frequent sign in CT of Small Bowel Obstruction and helps to locate the transition zone.

Boulay-Coletta, I, Zins, M, Boutboul, J, Bessoud, B, Berrod, J, Relevance of the “Small Bowel Feces Sign” on CT in Patients with Small Bowel Obstruction.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4431766.html