Korean J Radiol.  2001 Dec;2(4):235-238. 10.3348/kjr.2001.2.4.235.

Phlegmonous Enteritis in a Patient with Congestive Heart Failure and Colon Cancer

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University. nksook@hallym.or.kr
  • 2Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Hallym University.

Abstract

Phlegmonous enteritis is a rare infective inflammatory disease of the intestine, predominantly involving the submucosal layer. It is difficult to diagnose and often fatal. Its association with alcoholism and various liver diseases, although rarely reported, is well documented. We report a case of phlegmonous enteritis in a male patient with congestive heart failure and colon cancer, and describe the ultrasonographic and CT findings.

Keyword

Gastrointestinal tract, CT; Gastrointestinal tract, inflammation; Gastrointestinal tract, US

MeSH Terms

Aged
Case Report
Colonic Neoplasms/*complications
Enteritis/complications/*radiography/*ultrasonography
Heart Failure, Congestive/*complications
Human
Male
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Figure

  • Fig. 1 A 65-year-old man with adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon and phlegmonous enteritis involving the terminal ileum. A. Ultrasonogram shows marked, diffuse, segmental wall thickening of up to 10 mm in the terminal ileum. The mucosal folds are blunted (arrows). B. Contrast-enhanced CT scan reveals colonic obstruction, with a well- enhanced concentric mass lesion visible in the hepatic flexure of the colon (arrows). C. Contrast-enhanced CT scan at the lower level shows concentric thickening of the terminal ileum (arrowheads) along with diffuse dilatation of the ascending colon and small bowel loops. The thickened wall in the terminal ileum shows heterogeneous contrast enhancement and a small, poorly enhanced lesion (arrow). D. Microscopic examination shows marked edematous thickening of the submucosa, with dense infiltrations of neutrophils and the formation of small irregular abscesses (arrows). The mucosa is intact, with extension of neutrophilic infiltration of submucosa into the muscular layer and serosa.


Reference

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