Spectrum of CT scan findings in non-traumatic acute abdominal pain: An observational study.

Chhani Lal Narsingh  Sidar; Vidya  Laxmi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2070

Authors

Dr. Chhani Lal Narsingh Sidar Associate Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Abhishek I. Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research, Junvani, Durg, District Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Dr. Vidya Laxmi Tutor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Abhishek I. Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research, Junvani, Durg, District Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2070

Keywords:

Acute abdominal pain, Computed tomography, Non-traumatic abdomen, Diagnostic imaging, Emergency radiology, Appendicitis

Abstract

Background

Non-traumatic acute abdominal pain is a frequent emergency presentation with diverse etiologies. Clinical evaluation alone is often inconclusive, necessitating imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly recognized as a rapid and reliable modality for accurate diagnosis and management planning.

Objectives

To evaluate the spectrum of CT scan findings in patients presenting with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain and determine its diagnostic yield.

Methods

This hospital-based observational study enrolled 100 consecutive patients aged 18–78 years who presented with acute abdominal pain of non-traumatic origin. All patients underwent CT imaging. Demographic characteristics, symptom profiles, and CT findings were documented and analyzed. The diagnostic yield of CT in establishing definitive etiologies was assessed.

Results

The mean age of participants was 42.6 ± 15.8 years, with males comprising 58% and females 42%. Generalized abdominal pain was the most common presentation (62%), followed by right iliac fossa pain (24%). CT identified acute appendicitis in 28%, urolithiasis with obstructive uropathy in 20%, diverticulitis in 12%, pancreatitis in 10%, and hepatobiliary pathology in 8%. Less frequent findings included intestinal obstruction (7%), inflammatory colitis (5%), perforated viscus (4%), adnexal pathology (3%), mesenteric ischemia (2%), and miscellaneous causes (1%). No significant abnormality was observed in 10% of patients. Overall, CT provided a definitive diagnosis in 90% of cases.

Conclusion

CT scan proved highly effective in evaluating non-traumatic acute abdominal pain, offering rapid, accurate diagnoses across a wide etiological spectrum. Its routine use in emergency settings enhances decision-making and improves patient outcomes.

Recommendations

CT should be integrated into standard diagnostic protocols for acute abdominal pain in emergency care. Future studies should explore radiation dose reduction techniques, cost-effectiveness, and comparative accuracy with ultrasonography and MRI.

Author Biographies

Dr. Chhani Lal Narsingh Sidar, Associate Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Abhishek I. Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research, Junvani, Durg, District Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.

is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Abhishek I. Mishra Memorial Medical College & Research, Junvani, Durg, Chhattisgarh (India) since March 2024.

He completed his MBBS in 1992 from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) under Jiwaji University, and subsequently obtained his MD in Radiodiagnosis in 1998 from the same institution. Following his graduation, he worked as a Resident Medical Officer in the Radiology department at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Centre, Bhilai, from July 1994 to April 1995.

Dr. Sidar has extensive teaching and clinical experience. He served as a Senior Resident from April 2017 to April 2018 and later worked as an Assistant Professor in Radiodiagnosis at Bharat Ratna Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Medical College, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, from February 2019 to March 2024.

With over two decades of clinical exposure and academic involvement, Dr. Sidar has contributed significantly to radiodiagnostic education and patient care. His areas of expertise include diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, and cross-sectional radiology. He is actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and continues to serve as a guide and mentor for medical students. ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5508-1112

Dr. Vidya Laxmi, Tutor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Abhishek I. Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research, Junvani, Durg, District Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.

is working as a Tutor in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Abhishek I. Mishra Memorial Medical College & Research, Junvani, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India. She is actively involved in academic teaching and clinical radiology, with a special interest in diagnostic imaging and ultrasound.

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