Gas in the hepatic portal venous system. A diagnostic clue to an occult intra-abdominal abscess.

Abstract

Gas within the hepatic venous system on abdominal roentgenogram prompted exploratory laparotomy in a patient with repeated rigors and high fever following total hip replacement. Although the patient had no localizing abdominal symptoms or signs, an intra-abdominal abscess was found and cured by surgical drainage and antibiotics. Occult, life-threatening, but treatable abdominal disease may be detected by the unusual roentgenographic finding of portal venous gas.

• Authors: M C Bach, L G Anderson, T A Martin Jr, R E McAfee
• Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med) Vol. 142 Issue 9 Pg. 1725-6 (Sep 1982) ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7114993 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Gases

Topics

• Abscess (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging)
• Aged
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Gases
• Humans
• Portal Vein (diagnostic imaging)
• Radiography, Abdominal