What is the epiploic appendage?
Epiploic appendages are small outpouchings of fat-filled, serosa-covered structures present on the external surface of the colon projecting into the peritoneal cavity. Each appendage encloses small branches of the circular artery and vein that supply the corresponding segment of the colon.
What is epiploic appendages in large intestine?
Epiploic appendages (or appendix epiploica, plural: appendices epiploicae) are peritoneum-lined protrusions of subserosal fat that arise from the surface of the large bowel.
Why do we have epiploic appendages?
Epiploic appendagitis refers to the inflammation of small pouches on the colon or large intestine. These pouches are called epiploic appendages. These pouches help the body absorb nutrients, and they protect blood vessels in the large intestine. Most people have about 50–100 epiploic appendices.
Where is epiploic appendix located?
The epiploic appendices (or appendices epiploicae, or epiploic appendages, or appendix epiploica, or omental appendices) are small pouches of the peritoneum filled with fat and situated along the colon, but are absent in the rectum.
What causes fat stranding in the colon?
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 serious is epiploic appendagitis?
Epiploic appendagitis is a condition that can cause severe stomach and abdominal pain. It’s relatively rare and has only recently become more easily noticed in the medical world. Because it’s not well known, it’s often misdiagnosed and confused with other conditions that also cause severe stomach pain.
What should I eat if I have epiploic appendagitis?
There’s no specific diet that someone with epiploic appendagitis should or shouldn’t follow. However, because obesity and eating large meals seem to be risk factors, eating a balanced diet with portion control to maintain a healthy weight may help prevent episodes.
How long does it take to recover from epiploic appendagitis?
The inflammation is what creates such an intense and painful feeling in your abdomen. But even if the inflammation is not treated, it may go away. It has been found that epiploic appendagitis will go away on its own within two weeks if untreated.
How long does epiploic appendagitis last?
The inflammation may cause secondary thickening of the parietal peritoneum, and the colon wall may be inflamed as well [2]. Although the patient’s clinical symptoms usually resolve within 2 weeks, CT findings can last for as long as 6 months after the episode, showing some residual soft tissue attenuation [2].
How do you get rid of epiploic appendagitis?
Epiploic appendagitis is usually considered to be a self-limiting disease. This means it goes away on its own without treatment. In the meantime, your doctor may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). You may need antibiotics in some cases.