GI Imaging Flashcards
what is abdominal distension
bowel gas or fluid accumulate in the abdomen
tests for abdominal distension - bowel source suspected
AXR
CT - delineate cause
findings on AXR for abdominal distension
small/large bowel obstruction or ileus
tests for abdominal distension - fluid source suspected
ultrasound
findings on ultrasound for abdominal distension
may determine underlying cause
underlying causes for abdominal distension
liver disease
metastases
peritoneal masses
ascites
tests for haematemesis
endoscopy - first line
CT with IV contrast
+/- angiography
positives for endoscopy
allows intervention/biopsy
negatives for endoscopy
invasive
causes of haematemesis
tumour
inflammation
trauma
vascular changes (variceS)
tests for acute lower GI bleeding
same as for upper GI bleeding;
endoscopy - first line
CT with IV contrast
+/- angiography
causes of dysphagia
inflammation
tumour
extrinsic compression
bengin lesion
tests for dysphagia
endoscopy
fluoroscopic studies
findings of fluoroscopic studies in dysphagia
functional and anatomical/pathological information
tests for change in bowel habit
barium enema
CT virtual colonography (alternative)
positives for barium enema
quick
in-expensive
widely available
negatives for barium enema
misses cancer
negatives for CT virtual colonography
less available
more expensive
higher dose
tests for suspected IBD
endoscopy
small bowel MRI (Crohn’s only)
tests for suspected small bowel disease (IBD)
fluoroscopic contrast studies - particular investigation of terminal ileum !
findings of fluoroscopic contract studies in small bowel disease (IBD)
strictures
wall thickening
fistulation
tests to detect if IBD is active
radio-labelled white cell scan - abnormal uptake on early and late scans localised with SPECT-CT
tests for jaundice
ultrasound - first line
MRCP +/- ERCP
CT
blood tests (virology and immunology)
what do radiological tests determine in jaundice
hepatic causes
post-hepatic causes
findings in ultrasound in jaundice
dilated inta and/or extra-hepatic biliary tree
less reliable at identifying cause
