What is fat stranding?

Fat stranding refers to expanded attenuation of fat in the abdomen. The fat in this area includes omentum, mesentery, retroperitoneum or subcutaneous fat. Fat stranding is commonly detected using an abdomen computed tomography image; the identified fat stranding directs radiologists to the site of pathology, notes American Journal of Roentgenology.

Appendicitis is a common cause of severe acute abdominal pain. Fat stranding occurs in peritoneal fat in the event of appendicitis, and it can be detected by a computed tomography or a CT. CT is used commonly for adult diagnosis of appendicitis when a physical examination is not itself indicative of appendicitis, according to Wikipedia.