Imaging

Question 1

What are 6 imaging techniques used for GIT diagnostic radiology?

Answer 1

1) X-ray abdomen
2) US
3) CT
4) MRI
5) Angiography
6) ERCP/PTC

Question 2

What does a “bulky looking” pancreas on a US suggest?

Answer 2

Acute pancreatitis

Question 3

What do white echogenic spots in the pancreas on a US suggest?

Answer 3

Pancreatic calcifications secondary to chronic pancreatitis

Question 4

What do white echogenic spots in the gall bladder on a US suggest?

Answer 4

Cholelithiasis

Question 5

What do black focal lesions on the liver on a US suggest?

Answer 5

Fluid filled cysts

Question 6

What do white focal lesions on the liver on a US suggest?

Answer 6

Haemangioma (benign)

Question 7

What are 2 diffuse changes and their causes to the liver that can be seen on a US?

Answer 7

1) ↑echogenicity (fatty liver)
2) Nodularity of outline (Cirrhosis)

Question 8

What are 3 advantages and disadvantages of US in GIT?

Answer 8

Advantages:
1) Inexpensive
2) Easily available
3) No radiation

Disadvantages:
1) Operator dependent
2) Bowel gases
3) Limited field of view

Question 9

What are 4 indications for GIT CT?

Answer 9

1) Confirm pathological suspicions on X-ray or US

2) Diagnosis of acute conditions (eg. acute pancreatitis, abscesses, cholecystitis, cholangitis)

3) Characterisation of mass lesions

4) Differentiating tumours (benign, malignant, staging, planning treatment)

Question 10

What are 3 advantages and disadvantages of MRI in GIT?

Answer 10

Advantages:
1) High soft tissue contrast
2) No ionising radiation
3) Multi-planar acquisitions

Disadvantages:
1) long acquisition time
2) Artifacts
3) Claustrophobic px cannot scan
4) px with prosthesis, metallic implants

Question 11

True or false: Invasive techniques such as PTC, ERCP, MRCP, angiography are done with an intention to treat.

Answer 11

True