GI Investigations

Question 1

Cholecystitis/Biliary Colic

Answer 1

Ultrasound - look for dilation then ERCP/MRCP

Question 2

Pancreatitis

Answer 2

Ultrasound - look for gall stones/biliary obstruction and evaluate the complications

ERCP can cause pancreatitis

Question 3

Perforation

Answer 3

erect CXR then CT

Question 4

Appendicitis

Answer 4

Ultrasound - look for distention and calcification

Question 5

Diverticulitis

Answer 5

CT - look for inflammatory change, urological or vascular problems

Question 6

Distended Abdomen

Answer 6

AXR - look for small/large bowel obstruction, ileus, then CT

Question 7

Haematemesis

Answer 7

Endoscopy then CT with IV contrast not oral contrast

then angiography

Question 8

Lower GI bleed

Answer 8

Colonoscopy then CT with IV contrast

Question 9

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Answer 9

Endoscopy, Barium contrast

Question 10

Change in bowel habit

Answer 10

PR exam, barium enema, CT colonoscopy, endoscopy if IBD considered

Question 11

IBD

Answer 11

endoscopy, small bowel MRI, radio-labelled White Cell Scan to see if IBD is active

Question 12

Jaundice

Answer 12

Ultrasound (to see if pre or post hepatic), MRCP, CT to confirm

US guided biopsy may be needed

Question 13

Strictures, fistulas

Answer 13

Fluoroscopic contrast

Question 14

Peptic ulcer

Answer 14

Upper GI endoscopy then H.Pylori test (urea breath test)

Question 15

Bowel Obstruction

Answer 15

AXR then CT

Question 16

Acute Pancreatitis

Answer 16

Check serum Amylase