GI Imaging Flashcards
What contrast studies can be used?
Barium swallow
Barium enema
Barium meal and follow through
Water-soluble contrast studies
What methods can be used to image the GI tract?
Plain X ray Contrast studies Ultrasound Cross-sectional imaging Angiography
What cross-sectional imaging can be done to view the GI tract?
Computed topography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What X Rays can be done to view GI tract?
Abdominal (AXR) Erect chest (CXR)
Does an MRI use radiation?
No
Does a CT scan use radiation?
Yes
Risks of CT scan?
Carcinogenesis
Genetic
Developmental risk to foetus
What are contrast studies used for?
To define hollow viscera
What is a barium enema?
Where the contrast is inserted rectally
Enables the colon to be visualised
What is ultrasound?
Use of sound waves to generate images
Frequency is 20KHz
Advantages of ultrasound?
Cheap compared to MRI/CT
Portable
Disadvantage of ultrasound?
Highly user dependent - may miss things
What can ultrasounds be used for?
See if there are gallstones
If common bile duct is dilated (indicates that there is an impacted gallstone in the duct)
View liver, portal vein, appendix
What is GI angiography and what is it useful for?
Visualising blood supply
Bleeding and ischaemia
How is GI angiography done?
Inject radio-opaque contrast agent intravenously
Use various modalities to capture images
