Can CT scan show adhesions?
CT diagnosis of small bowel obstruction relies on identification of the transition zone between dilated and nondilated portions of bowel.
CT can identify causes of bowel obstruction that have bulk, such as a primary carcinoma or a metastasis, and CT can show an external hernia.
CT identifies extrinsic inflammatory processes, such as appendicitis or diverticulitis, that may secondarily obstruct small bowel.
CT diagnosis of adhesions as a cause of bowel obstruction is a presumptive diagnosis only, however, made when no identifiable cause of obstruction is seen at the transition zone.
