Abdominal Imaging

Question 1

modalities used to image the abdomen

Answer 1

1. XR
2. USS
3. CT
4. MRI

Question 2

what is supine AXR used for?

Answer 2

bowel obstruction

Question 3

what is erect CXR used for?

Answer 3

hollow viscus perforation

Question 4

adverse of XR

Answer 4

ionising radiation

low sensitivity

Question 5

benefits of USS

Answer 5

easy
safe
clear visualisation

Question 6

negatives of USS

Answer 6

operator and patient dependent
immobile patients
obese patients

Question 7

adverse of CT

Answer 7

radiation exposure
contrast-induced nephropathy
contrast allergy risks
difficulty lying flat

Question 8

adverse of MRI

Answer 8

contraindicated

claustrophobic

Question 9

DD for pain/tenderness in RIF

Answer 9

acute appendicitis
renal colic
tubo-ovarian pathology

Question 10

investigation for appendicitis

Answer 10

USS

CT if inconculsive

Question 11

what should be seen in appendicitis?

Answer 11

aperistalsis
non-compressible
dilated appendix with wall thickening

Question 12

first line investigation for renal colic

Answer 12

non-contrast CT

Question 13

LIF DD

Answer 13

diverticulitis
acute cholecystitis
pancreatitis
perforation

Question 14

diagnosis of diverticulitis

Answer 14

CT with IV contrast

CXR for perforation

Question 15

diagnosis of cholecystitis

Answer 15

USS

MRI if biliary tree dilatation (MRCP is T2 weighted)

Question 16

diagnosis of pancreatitis

Answer 16

amylase

CT for complications

Question 17

diagnosis of perforation

Answer 17

CT

Question 18

abdominal pain/ distension DD

Answer 18

small bowel obstruction
large bowel obstruction
ascites

Question 19

diagnosis of small bowel obstruction

Answer 19

XR

CT is best

Question 20

diagnosis of large bowel obstruction

Answer 20

XR

CT is best

Question 21

DD of sudden pain and shock

Answer 21

bowel ischaemia
peforation
pancreatitis
calculus
leaking AAA
ruptured ectopic pregnancy

Question 22

diagnosis of bowel ischaemia

Answer 22

biphasic CT

Question 23

what is plain XR first line for?

Answer 23

obstruction

perforation

Question 24

what is USS first line for?

Answer 24

RUQ/RIF pain (cholecystitis and appendicitis)

Question 25

what is CT first line for?

Answer 25

acute abdominal pain