Can someone please interpret this result? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

N2golf · 04-16-2003, 11:05 AM

I am having a really hard time understanding this cat scan of the abdomen results and I'm hoping someone here will be familiar with the terminology. Here's what the impression reads:Essentially negative CT of the abdomen with the exception of a equivocal small bowel wall thickening in the left upper quadrant. Then in the findings, it states: There is incomplete opacification of the small and/or some small bowel wall thickening. Then it goes on to say, that if there is persistant clinical concern of a small bowel abnormality, an upper GI series with small bowel follow through may be of benefit.

What the heck does all that mean? On one hand it sounds serious, but, then on the other hand, it's like "well, if you're concerned, here's what you can do next". I had called the Radiology Dept where I had this done, and they said that they couldn't explain it to me, I had told them that I had the paper infront of me and if I could read it, would they explain it. They would not do this. I went to the Dr. who ordered it, and being a family Dr., he wasn't sure either. So, basically, I payed a co-pay for a Dr. to tell me that this was out of his field and to go see a gastriointologist (sp?) I can get in for another Month and a half because I would be a new patient. Do I have to wait that long to have some peace about this? Is it something that can even wait that long???

Please help. I need peace of mind right now.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this. Sorry it was lengthy.

mlgable · 04-16-2003, 12:25 PM

It basically says that there was some opacicites (opaque areas) where the small bowel thickening is meaning some opaque spots but not a large enough opaque spot to give a clear diagnosis of small bowel obstruction and if the doc thinks this or other things may be still be the cause then he should order the other tests for a clear cut diagnosis. If the doc does not feel that your symptoms are consistent with a small bowel obstuction then the other tests are not recommended. I hope this sounds clear enough for you to understand.

N2golf · 04-16-2003, 12:43 PM

Okay....going on not too much sleep here, can you put that in elementary terms? What are "opaque" spots? and I'm not sure what you were saying in the rest of the message (sorry.

dustbunnys_baby · 04-16-2003, 01:35 PM

If i am not mistaken opaque means "colored" Also all she is saying is that if the bowel is blocked and the doctor this is the cause for you symptoms than further testing should be done. If the doctor finds the results insignificant to your symptoms they may go a different route. Much love Sunnie

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N2golf · 04-16-2003, 04:10 PM

It was never noted on the results as there being any blockage from the small bowel. I don't seem to have problems there either. I have been told that I may have IBS....maybe connected? I'm so stressed out about this! No one can explain! I'm think cancer.....tumor???It's causing alot of anxiety because I don't know what this all really means.