Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features of strangulated ileus caused by epiploic appendix of the sigmoid colon.
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated MDCT images of four patients who underwent surgery in our hospital between 2011 and 2014. Patients were aged from 66 to 79 years, and two were female.
Results: Closed loop obstruction of the small bowel was confirmed in all patients. A fatty peritoneal band around the orifice of the ileus was detected in two patients, but was equivocal in the other two patients. Traction of the sigmoid colon toward the hilum of the closed loop of the small bowel was obvious in three patients.
Conclusion: When traction of the sigmoid colon is detected in MDCT in a case of closed loop obstruction of the small bowel, strangulated ileus caused by an epiploic appendix should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Keywords: Epiploic appendix; MDCT; Sigmoid colon; Small bowel; Strangulated ileus.