Intraluminal hyperdense appearance of the small bowel on high resolution computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis secondary to use of Calcium Carbonate tablets (Tums) mimicking a small bowel fistula

Hyperdensity within the small bowel is most commonly seen with positive oral contrast agents, intraluminal hemorrhage and less likely an abnormal fistulous connection with the colon containing rectally administered contrast. We present the case of a 57-year-old female with a complex history of breast cancer and multiple abdominal surgeries presenting with intraluminal hyperdense small bowel on computed tomography (CT) performed with rectal contrast. Postsurgical CT with rectal contrast, and no oral contrast, showed multifocal regions of intraluminal hyperdensity with the small bowel anterior to and close to the surgical anastomosis. This raised concerns for a fistula between the colon and small bowel; however, surgical exploration demonstrated an intact anastomosis without a coloenteric fistula. Additional history notes that the patient consumed an increased dose of calcium carbonate tablets for a few days prior to obtaining the scan and this intraluminal hyperdense appearance of the small bowel was then attributed to this. We conclude that ingested over the counter medications can pose an imaging dilemma for radiologists as their appearance on CT could falsely mimic pathology. It is imperative to obtain a thorough clinical history in such cases to provide accurate diagnoses and decrease unwanted imaging and clinical intervention. It is also important for radiologists to be aware of the appearances of commonly consumed over the counter medications that can mimic pathology as demonstrated by this case.