Normal GI Radiology Flashcards
What does IV contrast show you?
Abnormalities in vasculature, or in the parenchyma of structures.
Difference in “resolution” between CT and plain X-rays?
Plain: high “spatial resolution” (e.g. seeing details of say… Barrett’s esophagus, gall stones), low contrast resolution.
CT: low spatial resolution, high contrast resolution
What does oral/enema contrast show you?
Abnormalities in luminal structures.
What structures create the Angle of His?
Sling fibers.
What’s the function of the phreno-esophageal ligament?
Holds the esophagus in place at the esophageal hiatus, helping prevent hiatal hernia.
(this structure weakens with age -> hiatal hernia more likely)
Where in the stomach are there no rugae?
In the antrum. (not sure about the pylorus)
What gives the stomach its J shape?
Longitudinal muscle fibers.
What are the areae gastricae?
Small, polygonal tufts and grooves indicative of the columnar epithelium of the stomach mucosa. (seen on barium swallow x-ray)
Where do the areae gastricae disappear?
Where the transition from acid-secreting to gastrin-secreting glands happens.
(this is also the region where most gastric ulcers occur)
What do you call the folds of the small bowel that you can see on barium x-ray? What layers are in each?
valvula conniventes, composed of mucosa and submucosa
Large folds of the colon are called?
Haustral sacculations
What’s the significance of arteries of the colon penetrating anti-taenial mesentery?
This forms areas of weakness where diverticulitis can happen.
What are the innominate grooves?
When colon is not distended, can see grooves in barium enema x-ray.
Is the colon normally smooth?
Yes. If it doesn’t look smooth (other than innominate grooves), something’s wrong.
What layers are in the rugae of the stomach?
Mucosa and submucosa.
