Peritoneal computed tomography attenuation values reflect the severity of peritonitis caused by gastrointestinal perforations

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the peritoneal computed tomography (CT) attenuation values and relate them to the severity of peritonitis in patients with gastrointestinal tract (GI) perforations.MethodsA total of 56 consecutive patients with GI perforations who underwent CT scan and emergency laparotomy in our hospital were enrolled in this study. The CT attenuation values of the peritoneum were measured on a workstation by 2 independent investigators, and were investigated in relation to the severity of illness and hospital mortality.ResultsPeritoneal CT attenuation values in hospital nonsurvivors were significantly lower than those in survivors. There was significant negative correlation between peritoneal CT attenuation values and sequential organ failure assessment score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score, and the Mannheim peritonitis index.ConclusionsThe evaluation of peritoneal CT attenuation values in patients with peritonitis is simple and can be used for objective assessment of the severity of peritonitis.