Gallstone ileus demonstrated by CT.

OBJECTIVE

The appearance and evolution of gallstone ileus as seen by CT are reported.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

CT examination was performed on three patients with unspecific abdominal pain. In one patient sequential investigations were performed over 7 months.

RESULTS

In all cases the gallbladder was greatly distorted, contained air, and was in direct continuity with a thickened duodenal wall. The gallstone was detected in the small bowel in all cases. In one patient sequential CT examinations over several months demonstrated the evolution from uncomplicated gallstone disease to cholecystitis and finally to perforation of the gallstone into the duodenal bulb.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of the CT findings in gallstone ileus may result in more rapid diagnosis and treatment, which may lead to a decrease in the rather high morbidity and mortality seen in this disease.