Abdominal imaging

Question 1

what kind of imaging do you get for a suspected kidney stone?

Answer 1

-low dose (low radiation) CT, WITHOUT any contrast.

Question 2

what kind of imaging do you get for a suspected ruptured aneurysm?

Answer 2

CT, with IV contrast (no oral contrast) , HIGH dose!!

Question 3

What kind of imaging/contrast do you use for suspected appendicitis?

Answer 3

CT, with both oral and rectal contrast (fill up bowels with contrast so you can see appendix (it shouldn’t have any contrast))

Question 4

What causes fat stranding?

Answer 4

• anything of moderate density infiltrating the fat - can be blood, fluid, or tumor.
• most commonly inflammation - edema splits fat into strands.

Question 5

What should you never do for someone with a small bowel obstruction ?

Answer 5

-rectal contrast (makes it hard to see the stopping point of the obstruction)

Question 6

You are looking for free air in the abdomen. What X ray view is the most sensitive?

Answer 6

• standing upright (pools under the diaphragm - smallest area)
• if they can’t stand, then lateral decubitus is the next best thing.
• supine is worthless for free air

Question 7

what imaging do you get for an acute abdomen?

Answer 7

-CT with contrast, of abdomen AND pelvis

Question 8

abdominal pain. worse after meals. What imaging (if any ) is indicated?

Answer 8

RUQ ultrasound, NOT CT scan!!