GIT Imaging

Question 1

Name 12 causes of small bowel fluid levels.

Answer 1

SBO, LBO, paralytic ileus, gastroenteritis, hypokalaemia, uraemia, jejunal diverticulosis, mesenteric thrombosis, saline cathartics, peritoneal mets, cleansing enemas, normal (less than 25mm long)

Question 2

Name causes of massively dilated stomach.

Answer 2

Mechanical gastric outlet obstruction, duodenal or pyloric canal ulcer, antrum CA, extrinsic compression, PI, surgery, trauma, peritonitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, diabetes, hepatic coma, drugs, gastric volvulus, intubation, air swallowing

Question 3

Name causes of small bowel obstruction.

Answer 3

Mural - tumour, strictures/Crohn’s, irradiation, ischaemia

Luminal - bezoar, gallstones, intussusception

Extrinsic - adhesions, hernia, volvulus, abdo malignancy

Question 4

What are the signs of strangulating obstruction on CT?

Answer 4

Wall thickening of affected loop
High attenuation in bowel wall
Gas in bowel wall
Gas in mesenteric veins
Mesenteric congestion
Mesenteric haemorrhage