CT ABDOMEN Flashcards
When are non- contrast studies used to visualise the abdomen (CT)?
When the patient:
- Has impaired renal function
- Has renal colic
When is the arterial phase helpful?
To visualise:
- Haemorrhage
- Aneurysms
How long does it take IV contrast to reach the portal veinous system (I.e. when can you image in the portal veinous phase)?
60 s
What is the main phase used to image the abdomen for an undifferentiated illness?
Portal- veinous phase
When can you image in the delayed phase?
6-10 minutes after admin of contrast
Collects in the renal calyces and pelvis
What is the delayed phase helpful for?
To image eg incidental liver lesions, urinary tract injuries
When is PO contrast used?
To image the bowel in case of post surgical leak or fistula
In which windows must you review the images?
Soft tissue
Bone
Lung - look for pneumoperitoneum
Name one systematic technique you may use not to miss anything when reviewing the abdominal CT.
Solid organs Hollow viscera Soft tissue Retroperitoneum Lymph nodes Bones
Discuss how the liver is separated into segments and by which veins.
By the portal veins transversely and the hepatic veins vertically
In a clockwise direction Which lobes can you see on the liver in a transverse view when: 1. Separated by the hepatic veins 2. Portal veins 3. Below portal veins
- 7,8,4a, 2
- 6/7, 5/8, 4a/b, 2/3
- 6,5, 4b, 3
What are the tributaries of the portal vein?
Superior mesenteric and portal veins
What does a hepatitic liver appear as on CT?
Normal
Diffuse/ patchy hypodensity
Hepatomegaly
What are the mimics of hepatitis?
Diffuse fatty infiltration
Hyperechoic fat on US
What do patients with hepatic abscesses normally present with?
RUQ pain Fever Rigours Malaise Weight loss
Describe the appearance of a liver abscess on CT
Hypodense lesion with peripheral enhancement
May or may not have a fluid level
What are the common routes of infection in the liver?
Biliary tree
Portal vein
Spleen
Direct extension from bowel