TITLE:
The Role of Imaging in the Management of Acute Non-Traumatic Abdominal Pain at the Amitié Medical Clinic in Kati
AUTHORS:
Mody Abdoulaye Camara, Ilias Guindo, Ousmane Traore, Modibo Togola, Severin Dakouo, Aldjouma Yanogue, Cheick Fantamady Tounkara, Abou Sogodogo, Mamadou Ongoïba, Abdoulaye Diarra, Siaka Sidibe
KEYWORDS:
Imaging, Management, Acute Abdominal Pain Non-Traumatic, Mali
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Imaging,
Vol.16 No.2,
May
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Acute abdominal pain is pain projected onto the abdomen that has been present for less than a week and occurs outside of any traumatic context. Imaging remains essential for determining the cause. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of imaging in the management of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain at the Amitié de Kati medical clinic. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. All patients admitted for acute non-traumatic abdominal pain were included. Sampling was consecutive. The anonymity and confidentiality of participants were respected. Results: In total, we collected data on 351 patients admitted for acute non-traumatic abdominal pain out of 2,615, representing a frequency of 13.4%. The average age was 23 years, with extremes of 7 months and 92 years. Females predominated (54.7%). Children and/or infants accounted for 51% of patients. Clinical information was dominated by diffuse abdominal pain in 46.4% of cases. Ultrasound was the most commonly requested imaging modality, accounting for 75.8% of cases. The radiological diagnosis was dominated by adenolymphitis in 36.2% of cases, followed by renal colic (18.5%). Medical management was provided in 64.1% of patients. Conclusion: Our results show the essential role of imaging in the etiological diagnosis of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain.