GI Investigation and Radiology Flashcards
What is the benefit of CT scans?
Brilliant visualisation
What are the risks of CT scans?
High doses of radiation and reactions to contrast (if used)
What are the downsides of MRI scans?
Claustrophobic, take a long time and cannot be used in anyone who has metal that might move
How does a PET scan work?
Fluorine 18 is attached to glucose and gets concentrated anywhere there is a high metabolic use of glucose
What are the downsides of PET scans?
Non-specific and some areas will have a high intake of glucose without any pathologies
What is achalasia?
A muscular condition where the gastro-oesophageal junction fails to relax
What are the complications of gastric bands?
They can erode through the stomach and cause the oesophagus to become widened
What bedside investigations can be done?
BMI/weight, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature, ECG, capillary glucose and urinalysis
What investigations can be done as part of stool analysis?
FOB, stool culture, faecal calprotectin (inflamm.) and faecal elastase (pancreatic insufficiency/malabsorption)
What investigations can be done as part of blood analysis?
U&Es, calcium/magnesium, LFTs, CRP, thyroid function, FBC, hepatitic screen, coagulation (e.g. hepatic dysfunction/vitamin K deficiency and haematinics (B12, folate & ferritin)
What types of liver disease can be seen in LFTs?
Hepatic (High ALT, GGT)
Obstructive (High Alk Phos, bilirubin)
What pathologies can be seen using an FBC?
Anaemia
WBC Count - IBD
Platelet Count - IBD/Neoplasia
What tests are run as part of a hepatitic screen?
Hep B & C serology (+/- E), autoantibodies, immunoglobulins, ferritin, alpha 1 antitrypsin, caeuloplasmin, copper and alpha fetoprotein
What type of test is a coeliac serology?
Blood test
What investigations can be done as a urine collection?
5HIAA and catecholamines
What other investigations can be done?
Nutrition screen and laxative screen
What 3 tests can be done as a breath test?
Urea: H. pylori
Hydrogen: bacterial overgrowth
Lactose intolerance
What can an oesophageal pH and manometry show?
Oesophageal dysmotility and reflux
What are the risks of upper GI endoscopy?
Aspiration, perforation and haemorrhage
What are the risks of colonoscopy?
Haemorrhage, perforation and renal impairment (bowel preparation)
What is an ERCP used for?
To visualise the ampulla, biliary system and pancreatic ducts and to allow biopsy/cytology, stone removal, stenting and dilatation
What are the risks of ERCP?
Pancreatitis, haemorrhage, perforation, infection and mortality
What is endoscopic ultrasound used for?
Diagnosis, staging and allowing biopsy/cyst drainage
What is enteroscopy used for?
Visualising the small intestine, double/single balloon enteroscopy and biopsy/therapy
