Abdomen

Question 1

What should you be looking for on radiographs of the abdomen?

Answer 1

Bowel gas patterns, soft tissue structures, calcifications, osseous structures, tubes, lines

Question 2

What are plain films used for identifying in the abdomen?

Answer 2

Bowel gas patterns, calcifications, soft tissue organs, tubes, lines, foreign bodies

Question 3

What are barium studies useful for?

Answer 3

Viewing the digestive tract and potential obstructions or abnormalities

Question 4

What are CT studies useful for identifying in the abdomen?

Answer 4

Organ and vascular definition, CA staging, biopsy and drainage

Question 5

What are U.S. and Doppler useful for identifying in the abdomen?

Answer 5

Differentiate between cystic and solid masses, viewing the gallbladder, fetus, vasculature, biopsy

Question 6

What is an MRI used for viewing int the abdomen?

Answer 6

Detailed definition of structures, multiplanar reconstructions, soft tissue and vasculature clarity

Question 7

What are the features of Crohn’s Disease?

Answer 7

Distribution: asymmetric, skip lesions

Rectal involvement: 50% rectal involvement

Colorectal involvement: proximal colon is affected first (most often)

Mucosal features: cobblestone mucosa, “string” sign

Complications: strictures, fistulae, abscesses

Question 8

What are the features of ulcerative colitis?

Answer 8

Distribution: symmetric, continuous

Rectal involvement: 100%

Colorectal involvement: begins in rectum

Mucosal features: pseudopolyps, collar button ulcers

Complications: “lead pipe” colon, toxic mega colon, malignant transformation