Optimized protocol of multiple post-processing techniques improves diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography in assessment of small bowel obstruction compared with conventional axial and coronal reformations

Table 2 Use frequencies of multiple post-processing techniques in the protocol 3 n (%)

Assessment parameter	Reader 1	Reader 2	P-value
Presence or absence of SBO (n = 106)	1 (0.9)	2 (1.9)	1.000
Severity (n = 106)	0	0
Obstruction site
No (n = 16)	1 (6.3)	2 (12.5)	1.000
Proximal (n = 9)	0	0
Middle (n = 37)	2 (5.4)	1 (2.7)	0.556
Distal (n = 44)	3 (6.8)	4 (9.1)	0.694
Total (n = 106)	6 (5.7)	7 (6.6)	1.000
Cause
No (n = 16)	1 (6.3)	2 (12.5)	1.000
Adhesions (n = 20)	2 (10.0)	1 (5.0)	0.548
Neoplasms (n = 11)	1 (9.1)	3 (27.3)	0.269
Intussusception
Neoplasms (n = 9)	2 (22.2)	2 (22.2)	1.000
Nonneoplasms (n = 5)	3 (60.0)	2 (40.0)	0.527
Volvulus (n = 8)	6 (75.0)	7 (87.5)	0.522
Hernias
Internal hernias (n = 6)	6 (100)	6 (100)	1.000
External hernias (n = 9)	1(11.1)	2 (22.2)	0.527
Bezoars/stones (n = 7)	0	2 (28.6)	0.127
Vascular lesions (n = 8)	8 (100)	8 (100)	1.000
Inflammatory lesions (n = 7)	1 (14.3)	2 (28.6)	0.515
Total (n = 106)	31 (29.2)	37 (34.9)	0.377
Findings of secondary bowel ischemia
Increased bowel wall attenuation	0	0
Decreased bowel wall enhancement	0	0
Vascular embolus/thrombosis	5 (4.7)	5 (4.7)	1.000
Vascular stenosis/occlusion	18 (17)	15 (14.2)	0.570
Pneumatosis/portomesenteric gas	1 (0.9)	2 (1.9)	1.000
Bowel wall thickening	0	0
Increased bowel wall enhancement	0	0
Mesenteric haziness/fluid	2 (1.9)	0	0.477
Mesenteric vascular engorgement	8 (7.5)	10 (9.4)	0.622
Small bowel feces sign	0	0
Ascites	0	0
Total (n = 106)	34 (32.1)	32 (30.2)	0.767

SBO: Small bowel obstruction.