What does fat stranding on a CT scan mean?
Fat stranding is a sign that is seen on CT. It describes the change in attenuation of fat around an inflamed structure and is a very helpful signpost for intra-abdominal pathology.
What does stranding in the lungs mean?
Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.
What does Perinephric fat stranding mean?
Perinephric stranding refers to the appearance of edema within the fat of the perirenal space on CT or MRI.
What causes fat stranding on CT?
Acute conditions that cause fat stranding include peritonitis; inflammation, infection, or ischemia of the bowel; perforation of colon cancer; inflammation associated with pancreatitis or cholecystitis; trauma; and surgery.
How is a partially collapsed lung treated?
On some occasions, a collapsed lung can be a life-threatening event. Treatment for a pneumothorax usually involves inserting a needle or chest tube between the ribs to remove the excess air. However, a small pneumothorax may heal on its own.
What does Perinephric stranding indicate?
Perinephric stranding is a nonspecific sign pointing to an underlying inflammatory problem with the kidney and/or collecting system. Depending on the situation, it could result from. pyelonephritis (usually heterogeneous enhancement in the ipsilateral kidney)
What is the purpose of the fat located around the kidneys?
Each kidney is held in place by connective tissue, called renal fascia, and is surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue, called perirenal fat, which helps to protect it. A tough, fibrous, connective tissue renal capsule closely envelopes each kidney and provides support for the soft tissue that is inside.
What does a disproportionate fat stranding CT image mean?
Axial nonenhanced CT image of a man with diverticulitis depicts fat stranding (arrowheads) that is disproportionately greater in severity than the degree of bowel wall thickening (arrow). This pattern indicates a predominantly pericolonic process and suggests a narrower differential diagnosis.
Where does fat stranding occur in the body?
It is most commonly seen in abdomen/pelvis, but can also be seen in retroperitoneum, thorax, neck and subcutaneous tissues. It can be helpful in localizing both acute and chronic pathology.
Which is more severe acute diverticulitis or paracolic fat stranding?
The appearance of acute diverticulitis on CT scans parallels the pathologic features. The most common CT finding is paracolic fat stranding. The fat stranding characteristically is disproportionately more severe than the relatively mild, focal colonic wall thickening (, Fig 3 ).
Can a fat strand be seen in the thorax?
Fat stranding can also be seen in the thorax, and is mainly indicative of mediastinal pathology: 1. Thornton E, Mendiratta-Lala M, Siewert B et-al. Patterns of fat stranding. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2011;197 (1): W1-14. doi:10.2214/AJR.10.4375 – Pubmed citation