Sana Khatib, Sumera Tabassum, Tabinda Urooj, Shahbaz Haider, Tariq Mehmood.
Diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector CT scan in detection of `point of transition` in small bowel obstruction.
Pak J Radiol Jan ;29(2):108-12.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal obstruction is the cause for 20% of all surgical emergencies. Plain radiograph is the first radiological investigation which is done after clinical examination however it doesn`t offer diagnosis in difficult scenarios. In such cases, MDCT scan can offer diagnosis along with the cause and associated complications if any are present. METHOD: The objective of the study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector CT scan in detection of point of transition of small bowel obstruction by taking surgical findings as gold standard. RESULTS: MDCT findings showed 93 (66%) patients with point of transition. Diagnostic Accuracy of MDCT findings taking surgical findings as a gold standard shows sensitivity as 89%, specificity 90.2%, positive predictive value 95% and negative predictive value 77%. Overall diagnostic accuracy was found to be 89% (p-value<0.005). Stratification was done to see the effect of age and gender on the outcome. Chi-square test was applied. CONCLUSION: MDCT offers diagnosis in cases where small bowel obstruction is uncertain. It has good sensitivity as well as specificity.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com