What Does My Ct Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 5 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My CT scan says I have "fat stranding" in the periotoneum. I understand that there is a breach in the colon wall and there are gas bubble present outside that indicate periotonitis. But what is fat stranding? Strands of fat? Leaked out of the gut?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Abnormally increased attenuation in fat appearance with contrast.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Thanks for using HealthcareMagic,
I have evaluated your query thoroughly.

* Fat stranding usually means diffuse or multifocal condition seen on CT
findings depending upon the pathology of involved organ.

* Strands of fat mean abnormal increase attenuation ( appearance through
the contrast in CT scan ) in fat which may be omentum, retroperitoneum,
Mesentery or subcutaneous fat.

- it is not the fat leaking out of the gut.
- the mechanism behind this is engorgement of the lymphatic and increase
edema .

* Peritonitis has various reasons and mechanisms, it is not necessary that
every case has breached in the colon wall and gas bubbles outside.

I would like to know following from your side in the follow up:

1. CT details as location of fat stranding, other structures showing
findings as abnormal bowel thickening or else.
2. Details of the symptoms.
3. Attachment of other reports, CT report as an attachment/upload if possible.

Hope this clears your query.
Welcome for further assistance.

Awaiting your response.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee