Computed Tomographic Findings of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 Infection: An Analysis of a 7-Case Regional Outbreak.

PURPOSE: We experienced an outbreak of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) colitis. The purpose of this study was to reveal the computed tomographic (CT) findings on EHEC colitis.

METHODS

The subjects were 7 patients with EHEC colitis, which was caused by eating a contaminated Japanese rice cake. Contrast CT was performed on all patients. Two radiologists evaluated the CT findings (the thickness of colon wall, the range of thickened colon, and the existence of dirty fat signs around the colon, ascites, and swelling of lymph nodes), in accordance with our PACS system.

RESULTS

Wall swelling of the proximal colon from cecum to ascending colon was noted in all patients. Small intestine lesions were not noted in any cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We should consider EHEC infection as part of a differential diagnosis when the findings of severe right colitis are seen without enteritis.