The role of computed tomography in enterolith causing small bowel obstruction: A case series

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction caused by enteroliths is an uncommon medical condition. Timely detection of the presence of enteroliths and identification of their origin can guide clinical treatment. This study aimed to present the Computed Tomography (CT) features of enterolithic ileus confirmed by surgery in 7 patients. Seven patients with surgically confirmed enterolithic ileus who were admitted to our hospital between December 2013 and December 2022 were continuously enrolled, and an abdominopelvic CT examination was performed before surgery. The imaging characteristics were then analyzed. In the transition zone of all patients with intestinal obstruction, the sharply defined intraluminal masses were found. Three of them had gallstones and 4 had primary enteroliths. All 5 enteroliths in the 4 patients with primary enteroliths were in the proximal small intestine and were low-density with gas. Additionally, 3 gallstones were present in the distal small bowel, and calcifications were observed. Simultaneously, cholecystitis and secondary cholecystoduodenal fistula were observed in all 3 patients with gallstones. Compared to gallstones, primary enteroliths tend to be higher positioned, less dense, and accompanied by gas. CT examination is very important, as it allows accurate identification, location, diagnosis, and identification of complications of the different types of enteroliths to provide a basis for surgery.