The Duodenocolic Relationships: Normal and Pathologic Anatomy

Abstract

The precise anatomic relationships between the duodenal loop and the transverse colon are often of critical importance in the radiologic interpretation of upper abdominal pathology. Their points of most intimate relationship represent anatomic crossroads between intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal structures and thus permit specific localization and diagnosis of a disease process.7 Because of this relationship, a lesion originating in one may exert its major effects on the other. Particularly if radiologic investigation is initiated by a study that manifests the striking secondary effects, the presentation of findings may then be very misleading until the nature of the relationship and the primary site are appreciated.