Radiologic Studies of the GI Tract

Question 1

What can cause small bowel obstruction in a patient post-surgery?

Answer 1

Adhesions

Question 2

Why is there an increased risk of DVT in pregnant patients?

Answer 2

The IVC can be occluded

Question 3

In the lateral decubitus position, check for air _____________.

Answer 3

lateral to the large intestine

Question 4

Calcified gallbladder indicates _____________.

Answer 4

cancer

Question 5

What is a neobladder?

Answer 5

In a patient post-cystectomy (bladder removal), surgeons can create a bladder out of bowel.

Question 6

In the small intestine, the ____________ go all the way through, while in the large intestine the _________ do not .

Answer 6

plicae circulares; haustrations

Question 7

What is emphysematous cholecystitis?

Answer 7

Air in the wall of the gallbladder

Question 8

What might you notice on a CT of someone with acute bowel ischemia?

Answer 8

Blocked vessel (if the CT has contrast), meaning no enhancement

Question 9

Do not give barium to someone with _______________.

Answer 9

• bowel obstruction, because the colon will absorb water and the barium will become concentrated
• bowel perforation, because the colon will leak barium into the peritoneum

Question 10

Barium swallows can reveal _______________.

Answer 10

aspiration

Question 11

The fundus is a ___________ structure.

Answer 11

posterior (so it will be full of air when the patient is prone)

Question 12

Enteroclysis involves _________________.

Answer 12

injecting air and methylcellulose –provides a greater amount of detail than small-bowel follow through, but is more time and labor intensive

Question 13

Describe a good system of approaching films.

Answer 13

(1) Assess patient data: is it the correct patient? When was it taken? Are there past films for comparison?
(2) Assess the technical aspects of the film: in what position is this taken? Is the area of concern in the film? Is it a good quality?
(3) Assess and describe the anatomy: pay attention to soft tissue, alignment, and bones –particularly regarding changes from past films.
(4) Create a differential.

Question 14

What is the 3, 6, 9 rule?

Answer 14

The small intestine should be no larger than 3 cm. The transverse colon should be no larger than 6 cm. And the cecum should be no larger than 9 cm.

Question 15

What disorders can IV contrast mask?

Answer 15

Renal stones, calcifications, and hemorrhage

Question 16

Prior to giving IV contrast, screen _________ in high-risk patients.

Answer 16

creatinine

Question 17

Have a patient __________ if you’re taking an x-ray for bowel obstruction.

Answer 17

stand upright

Question 18

A cratered esophagus on barium swallow is indicative of _______________.

Answer 18

Candida infection in the esophagus

Question 19

Hepatocellular carcinoma receives its feeding from _____________ blood.

Answer 19

arterial

Question 20

Gadolinium has ________ risk.

Answer 20

very low

Question 21

What is the best technique for detecting kidney stones?

Answer 21

CT without contrast

Question 22

X-ray plain films are best for detecting _____________.

Answer 22

perforation (shown by free air) and impaction

Question 23

CTs should only be done after _____________.

Answer 23

non-radiation techniques have been used