normal abdomen

Question 1

4 main areas of the abdomen

Answer 1

1) gas pattern 2) free air 3) soft tissue masses / organomegaly 4) abnl calcification

Question 2

where is normally present?

Answer 2

stomach / colon (esp rectosigmoid)

Question 3

where do you see air fluid levels?

Answer 3

stomach (2-3 in the small bowel)

Question 4

where is FLUID not visible?

Answer 4

normal colon

Question 5

acute abdominal series consists of?

Answer 5

1) supine abdomen 2) prone abdomen 3) upright abdomen 4) upright chest

Question 6

what is the supine view of the abdomen look for?

Answer 6

1) calcification 2) bowel gas pattern 3) organomegaly / soft tissue masses

Question 7

prone view detects

Answer 7

rectosigmoid air

Question 8

upright abdomen detects

Answer 8

air fluid levels, or free intraperitoneal air

Question 9

upright chest xray detects

Answer 9

air beneath diaphragm, pleural effusion, or pneumonia

Question 10

what techniques are used for organomegaly / soft tissue masses?

Answer 10

ct/mri/ultrasound

Question 11

valvulae

Answer 11

markings across the wall of the small bowel (stack of coins); they’re closer together

Question 12

haustra

Answer 12

markings across the large bowel, spread apart, bigger

Question 13

phleboliths

Answer 13

small round calcifications (calcified venous thrombi), mostly often in the pelvic veins of women (nL phenomenon)

Question 14

rib cartilage calcification is normal (true or false)

Answer 14

true.

Question 15

how do you tell the spleen is enlarged?

Answer 15

it projects below the rib margin