Abdominal Radiology

Question 1

• Plain films (static), e.g., KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder)
  - Fluoroscopy (real-time) eg., upper GI series, barium enema, ERCP, angiography
• CAT scan (Computerized Axial Tomography)

Answer 1

X-RAY MODALITIES

Question 2

• Uses reflected sound waves
• Doesn’t work well on fat patients b/c fat attenuates the sound waves
• Best technique for diagnosing kidney stones

Answer 2

Ultrasound

Question 3

• interaction of magnetic field and RF
• Can display soft tissue organs as well as dedicated views (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) of vessels
• Best technique for assessing inflammation

Answer 3

MRI

Question 4

distribution of isotope

Answer 4

Nuclear Medicine

Question 5

• Structures that appear white stop the most X-rays (bone, barium and iodine contrast agents)
• Structures that appear black stop the least X-rays (air)
• Structures that appear gray have intermediate attenuation (soft-tissue)
• These rules also apply to CT scans

Answer 5

X-ray densities

Question 6

• good for assessing esophageal abnormalities

Answer 6

Barium swallow

Question 7

• good for assessing esophageal cancer, b/c the metabolically-active cancer cells take up the dye

Answer 7

PET/CT Scan

Question 8

• Best to assess peristalsis and GI motility

Answer 8

MR Fluoroscopy

Question 9

Effective for detecting small polyps in colon

Answer 9

CT colonography > Barium Endoscopy

Question 10

Best techniques for assessing slow GI bleeding

Answer 10

Nuclear medicine or Small Bowel Follow Through

Question 11

Best technique for mild acute pancreatitis

Answer 11

NO IMAGING. Follow clinically.

Question 12

Best technique for severe acute pancreatitis (e.g., w/ shock and hypotension)
- look for pseudocysts and pancreatic abscesses

Answer 12

CT scan

Question 13

Best technique for active bleeding

Answer 13

Angiography