GI System Part 3 Flashcards
What are gallstones primarily made of?
Most made of cholesterol, some are pigment stones containing calcium
Radiolucent stones are cholesterol-based, while radiopaque stones contain calcium.
What is the modality of choice for confirming the diagnosis of gallstones?
Ultrasound
CT with contrast can also be used for confirmation.
What is acute cholecystitis?
Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually after an impacted gallstone obstructs the cystic duct
It may require surgery and can lead to emphysematous cholecystitis.
What is cholangitis?
Inflammation of the entire bile duct system
It is often associated with gallbladder conditions.
What is choledocholithiasis?
Presence of at least one gallstone within the common bile duct
It may lead to blockage of the duct.
How is Hepatitis A primarily transmitted?
Transmitted from fecal-oral route
Often due to consumption of contaminated food or water.
What are common causes of Hepatitis C?
Blood transfusion or sexual contact
It is a common cause of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
What imaging findings may indicate liver enlargement in hepatitis?
Lifting of the right hemidiaphragm on plain radiograph
Early hepatitis may not show on imaging.
What is liver cirrhosis?
End-stage liver disease characterized by chronic destruction of liver cells and structures
Major causes include chronic alcoholism and viral hepatitis.
What happens to the liver during cirrhosis?
Initially enlarges, then shrivels as scarring contracts and becomes bumpy and nodular
Fibrous connective tissue replaces destroyed liver cells.
What is ascites?
Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, usually due to liver damage
It causes abdominal distention and tightness.
How does ascites appear on plain radiographs?
General haziness or ground glass appearance
Fluid collects in the lower portions of the pelvis.
What is hepatocellular carcinoma?
Most commonly occurs in patients with underlying liver disease
It appears as a large solitary mass or multinodular on imaging.
What characterizes pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas
Can be acute or chronic, with common causes including alcohol consumption and gallstones.
What is the most obvious finding on a plain film for acute pancreatitis?
Sentinel loop of bowel from an adynamic ileus
It is often non-specific on plain x-ray.
What are pathognomonic findings for chronic pancreatitis?
Calcification of the pancreas
CT shows pancreatic enlargement or atrophy and ductal dilation.
What is the most common pancreatic cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
It often occurs in the head of the pancreas.
What are the symptoms of diabetes mellitus?
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, glycosuria, ketones in urine, blurry vision
It results from insufficient insulin secretion or utilization.
What is hypoglycemia?
Low blood sugar
Can occur in diabetic patients due to too much insulin or insufficient food.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Complication of type 1 diabetes characterized by high blood sugar and altered LOC
Requires immediate medical care for rehydration and insulin therapy.
What is pneumoperitoneum?
Free air in the peritoneal cavity, often from perforation of the GI tract
It indicates a surgical emergency.
What imaging technique is used to visualize pneumoperitoneum?
Horizontal beam (upright or decubitus)
Air under diaphragm appears as sickle-shaped lucency.
