168b - Imaging of the GI System Flashcards
What are the indications for an “abdominal series”?
Free air or bowel obstruction
Which imaging modality is recommended to assess bowel motility?
Barium + serial x rays until barium reaches the cecum
(Fluoro for bowel motility, esophagram for esophagus)
What is the recommendation around CTs for pregnant women?
Avoid ionizing radiation in pregnant women (esp first trimester) if possible
Consider US or MRI over CT
Why not use ultrasound to evaluate the pancreas?
Bowel gas makes it difficult to seee
What is the best imaging modality for the gallbladder?
Ultrasound
Best for seeing gallstones, cholecystitis, biliary dilation
(followed by MR if necessary to see stones in the distal bile duct or malignancy)
Which imaging modality is best for evaluating hepatic parenchyma?
MRI
- But only used after increased suspicion after ultrasound or CT
Which imaging modality is recommended to evaluate bowel obsruction, perforation, inflammation, tumor, or abscess?
CT abdomen/pelvis with IV and oral contrast
(For anything with motility, use barium study)
Which imaging modality is best for the pancreas?
Triphasic CT or pancreas MRI