Diagnostic Performance of MDCT in Assessing Non-Traumatic Acute Abdomen

Abstract

Introduction: Acute abdomen, characterized by sudden, severe abdominal pain, poses diagnostic challenges due to its diverse etiologies. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for effective intervention and management. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in assessing non-traumatic acute abdomen, emphasizing its role compared to ultrasonography (USG).

Methodology: This prospective study included 180 patients presenting with non-traumatic acute abdomen. After recording demographic details, kidney function tests (KFT) and liver function tests (LFT) were also performed. MDCT scans were conducted using a Toshiba CT scanner with contrast agents administered as necessary.

Results: The study population had a mean age of 41.16 ± 15.83 years, with 58.3% males. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (50%). MDCT outperformed USG in detecting conditions like acute pancreatitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstruction, and more accurately identified pyelonephritis, bowel perforation, and vascular issues.

Conclusion: This study highlights the complementary roles of USG and MDCT, affirming MDCT as the superior imaging modality for acute abdomen diagnostics.