The added value of coronal reformatted images using 16 slice multidetector computed tomography in non-traumatic-acute abdomen

Objective: To assess the added value of coronal reformatted images using 16-MDCT in different encountered non-traumatic-acute abdominal disorders. Patients and methods: 16-MDCT was performed in 100 patients with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain. Two independent readers blinded to the clinical information interpreted the axial scans alone, and then axial plus coronal scans for the presence of pathology. Confidence was scored with a 1–5 scale (1 = absent, 5= present). The final diagnosis was determined by surgical and pathologic reports and by clinical follow-up in those who did not undergo surgery. Results: Mean sensitivity and specificity for the readers together were 92.5% and 92% for axial scans alone and 93.5% and 92.5% for combined axial and coronal scans (not significant), respectively. For the most inexperienced reader, the coronal reformations were helpful in 81% of cases, while for the most experienced reader, the coronal reformations were helpful in 39% of the cases. The coronal images were helpful in an average of 60% of the cases for the two readers. Conclusions: Axial and coronal reformations of 16 slice MDCT have equal sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of acute abdominal pathology. However, coronal reformations improved the diagnostic confidence for all readers.