# Characteristic CT Imaging Features of Atraumatic Peritoneal and Subperitoneal Pathologies in Emergency Settings: A Pictorial Review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews CT imaging features of non-traumatic abdominal conditions seen in emergency settings to help with accurate diagnosis.

## Contribution

The paper provides a pictorial comparison of characteristic CT findings for various peritoneal and subperitoneal pathologies in emergency cases.

## Key findings

- CT imaging features like fat stranding and fluid collections help distinguish peritoneal pathologies.
- Infectious and inflammatory conditions show distinct imaging patterns useful for diagnosis.
- Accurate CT interpretation is vital for timely treatment of diverse abdominal emergencies.

## Abstract

Severe abdominal pain is a common presentation in emergency departments (ED) and may indicate atraumatic peritoneal or subperitoneal pathology. Imaging is a mainstay in the ED workup for such conditions and is crucial in guiding treatment in time-critical cases. However, the similarities in clinical presentation and imaging features between these pathologies can often make diagnosis more difficult. The purpose of this case series is to describe and compare characteristic CT imaging findings of infectious, inflammatory, cystic, and solid peritoneal and subperitoneal pathologies frequently encountered in the ED. Accurate interpretation of CT imaging features, such as fat stranding, mass effect, nodularity, and fluid collections, is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment of these diverse conditions.