What are epiploic appendages?
Epiploic appendages are normal outpouchings of peritoneal fat on the anti-mesenteric surface of the colon. Epiploic appendagitis is a benign and self-limited condition [1,2]. Inaccurate diagnosis can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention [3-6].
Does everyone have epiploic appendages?
These pouches are called epiploic appendages. People typically have between 50 and 100 of them over their large intestine. Normally, this fatty tissue gets its blood supply from small vessels attached to the outside of the colon.
What causes Appendigitis?
What Causes Epiploic Appendagitis? Small sacks of fat sit above your colon and large intestine. Appendagitis happens when the blood flow to these sacks is cut off or restricted. This may happen if there is inflammation of the tissue around the sacks.
Epiploic appendages (or appendix epiploica, plural: appendices epiploicae) are peritoneum-lined protrusions of subserosal fat that arise from the surface of the large bowel . Epiploic appendages typically measure 1.5 x 3.5 cm but have been reported to measure up to 15 cm in length 4.
Does epiploic appendagitis show up on a CT scan?
You may also need a CT scan. This imaging test gives your doctor a better view of your abdomen. It allows them to see what might be causing your symptoms. Epiploic appendagitis looks different on a CT scan compared to other intestinal problems. What are the treatments for epiploic appendagitis?
How many epiploic appendages are there in the transverse colon?
There is only one row of epiploic appendages along the transverse colon and there are none along the rectum. They are supplied by one to two small nutrient arteries that pierce the bowel serosa; it is here where colonic diverticula are thought to arise.
Does secondary epiploic appendagitis go away on its own?
Cases of secondary epiploic appendagitis usually clear up once the underlying condition is treated. Depending on the condition, you may need to have your appendix or gallbladder removed, or other intestinal surgery. What’s the outlook?