Radiology - Abdominal Imaging

Question 1

Radiography is useful for … (4)

Answer 1

• Searching for foreign bodies
• Follow-up on opaque kidney stones
• Constipation work-up (stool assessment)
• Assessment of tube placement

Question 2

Imaging for appendicitis during pregnancy

Answer 2

1st: Imaging with ultrasound
2nd: If US fails, MRI

This is the most common non-obstetrical operative procedure in pregnant women. This condition usually occurs in the 1st and 2nd trimester.

Question 3

Traditional colonoscopy is the gold standard, but a less expensive option is…

Answer 3

virtual colonoscopy (computer tomographic colonography)

Question 4

True or false: There is a higher added risk of radiation-induced cancer (at colon cancer screening age) with virtual colonoscopy

Answer 4

False! There is no added risk of radiation-induced cancer!

Question 5

True or false: There is almost no perforation risk with virtual colonoscopy

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Explain virtual colonscopy

Answer 6

It is done as a CT scan with advanced software AI

Question 7

Virtual colonoscopy is equally accurate as…

Answer 7

optical colonoscopy for polyps 8mm or larger (both have 94% sensitivity)

Question 8

Imaging study of choice with patients with acute RUQ pain

Answer 8

Ultrasonograpy (ultrasound)

Question 9

Initial imaging study of choice for patients with acute RLG or LLQ pain

Answer 9

CT scan

Question 10

Type of imaging with limited diagnostic value in the assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain

Answer 10

Conventional radiography

Question 11

What should be considered before performing diagnostic imaging in all women of reproductive age presenting with acute abdominal pain

Answer 11

Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin

*β-hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy. Testing for it helps determine if a woman is pregnant. This is important because:

Some imaging techniques, like X-rays and CT scans, use radiation, which could harm a developing fetus.
Pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage) can cause abdominal pain, and these require different management than other causes like appendicitis or kidney stones.*

Question 12

Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin should be considered before…

Answer 12

performing diagnostic imaging in all women of reproductive age presenting with acute abdominal pain