Differential Diagnosis for Mildly Dilated Left Abdominal Small Bowel Loops
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Partial Small Bowel Obstruction: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the presence of mildly dilated small bowel loops, which is a common finding in partial small bowel obstruction. The associated mesenteric edema may indicate inflammation or congestion, which can be seen in the setting of an obstruction.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This condition can cause inflammation and edema in the small bowel, leading to mild dilation of the loops. The mesenteric edema supports this diagnosis, as viral infections can cause inflammation in the mesenteric tissues.
- Food Poisoning: Similar to viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause inflammation and irritation in the small bowel, resulting in mild dilation and mesenteric edema.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation in the small bowel, leading to dilation and mesenteric edema.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intussusception: Although less common in adults, intussusception can cause small bowel obstruction and should not be missed, as it can lead to bowel ischemia and necrosis if not promptly treated.
- Volvolus: A twisting of the small bowel can cause obstruction and ischemia, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This condition can cause bowel ischemia and infarction, leading to severe consequences if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: A rare cause of small bowel dilation and mesenteric edema, lymphoma can infiltrate the small bowel and cause obstruction.
- Carcinoid Tumor: A rare tumor that can cause small bowel obstruction and mesenteric edema due to its potential to infiltrate the bowel wall and cause desmoplastic reaction.
- Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune condition that can cause fibrosis and narrowing of the small bowel, leading to obstruction and dilation.