Accuracy of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography scan in detection of the point of transition of small bowel obstruction

Purpose To determine the accuracy of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography scans in detecting the point of transition of small bowel obstruction by using surgical findings as the gold standard. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study of 59 patients with SBO who underwent 64-slice MDCT scans of the abdomen followed by surgery from 1 June 2008 to 31 January 2010 at a tertiary care center. Point of transition between distended and collapsed small bowel loops were precisely determined on 64-slice MDCT and subsequently correlated with surgical findings. Data analysis was done on SPSS version 16. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in detection of the point of transition were calculated. Results Out of 59 patients, 64-slice MDCT was able to detect the point of transition of SBO in 90% (53/59) of patients, while in 10% (6/59) of these patients the point of transition was not found on MDCT. Overall for detection of the point of transition of small bowel obstruction 64-slice MDCT has 93% sensitivity, 67% specificity, 98% positive predictive value, 33% negative predictive value and 92% accuracy, respectively. Conclusion Sixty-four-slice MDCT is highly accurate in diagnosing the point of transition of small bowel obstruction with an accuracy of 92%. It can be used as a localizing tool before surgery for small bowel obstruction.