Background: Literature on the diagnosis of abdominal cocoon using computed tomography (CT) outside the setting of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is sparse.
Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of contrast enhanced CT done for patients treated for abdominal cocoon. The clinical features, radiological findings, underlying etiology and outcomes were recorded.
Results: Of the 22 patients analyzed, 19 had tuberculosis, 2 had malignancy and 1 was idiopathic. The basis of diagnosis of cocoon was CT in 18 and CT and surgery in 4. Types 1, 2 and 3 cocoon were found in 3 (13.63%), 6 (27.27%) and 13 (59.09%) respectively. The bowel findings were clumped loops in 21 (95%), inter-bowel fluid in 13 (59%), bowel wall thickening/enhancement in 6 (27%) and stricture in 1 (5%). Peritoneal thickening and nodularity were seen in 14 (64%) and 2 (9%) while omental thickening, nodularity and mass in 9 (41%), 5 (21%) and 1 (5%). Cauliflower sign was seen in 14 (64%), concertina pattern in 5 (23%) and Bottle Gourd sign in 6 (23%) patients. Of 12 with imaging done during episode of IO, 11 (92%) had cauliflower sign, 4 (80%) had concertina appearance and 6 (100%) had bottle gourd sign. Post treatment weight gain with anti-tubercular therapy was seen in 14 (63.63%), resolution of ascites in 12 (54.54%) and 2 patients had complete resolution of cocoon on repeat imaging.
Conclusion: CT is a valuable tool for pre-operative diagnosis of abdominal cocoon. The classical described signs are seen more frequently in patients with IO.
Keywords: Abdominal cocoon; Computed tomography; Intestinal obstruction; Surgery; Tuberculosis.
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