Shock bowel following massive pulmonary embolism
De Backer, A.I.; De Schepper, A.M.; Hubens, G.; Vaneerdeweg, W.
Journal Belge de Radiologie 80(5): 231-232
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-7430 PMID: 9400055 Document Number: 474129
Wide-spread abnormalities of the small bowel on CT scan after massive pulmonary embolism and acute hemodynamic collapse are described. These small bowel abnormalities are secondary to hypotension with prolonged hypoperfusion. They consist of diffuse thickening of the small-bowel wall, fluid-filled, dilated loops and increased contrast enhancement of the small-bowel wall (shock bowel). These abnormalities are reversible and should be distinguished from acute vascular occlusion.