TCM 2 Exam - Second Semester Flashcards
(110 cards)
2 causes of dilated bowel
- Paralytic ileus
2. Bowel obstruction (small or large)
Radiologic findings of paralytic ileus?
Distended bowel with multiple air-fluid levels
Gas seen in the rectum
Common causes of paralytic ileus
Inflammation of the peritoneum (post-abdominal surgery, appendicitis, pancreatitis, etc.)
Normal postoperative ileus lasts ___ hours.
48
Common causes of small bowel obstruction (4)
Post-operative adhesions
Gallstone ileus
Intussusception
Tumors
Common causes of large bowel obstruction (3)
Colon cancer
Fecal impaction
Diverticulitis
How should bowel obstruction be evaluated with imaging?
Screening - plain film
CT of the abdomen
Radiologic findings of small bowel obstruction?
Multiple air-fluid levels
Stacked
Centrally located loops of intestine
Dilated small bowel greater than 3 cms visible with valvulae conniventes; colon not dilated
String of pearls sign (small bubbles trapped)
Absence of colon gas (collapsed colon)
Radiologic findings of large bowel obstruction?
Peripherally located distended bowel with haustral markings
Dilated loops of small and large bowel
No air distal to site of obstruction
Mass might be seen
Compare small vs. large bowel (location)
Small - central abdomen
Large - peripheral abdomen
Compare small vs. large bowel (appearance)
Small - valvulae conniventes crosses the entire width
Large - haustra, bubbly appearance of feces, diverticula
Findings of acute pancreatitis on abdominal CXR?
Calcification Mass from a pseudo cyst Sentinel loop (dilation of duodenum) Colon cut off (dilated colon to the mid-transverse colon, no air beyond the splenic flexure) Diffuse ileus (small bowel dilation) Left pleural effusion
Findings of acute pancreatitis on abdominal CT (contrast-enhanced)?
Enlargement due to edema Peripancreatic inflammation (linear strands in the surrounding fat) Phelgmon Hemorrhagic Necrosis (decreased or no enhancement) Fluid in the paracolic gutter Fluid collections Pseudocysts Abscesses
What is the normal size of the pancreas?
Same width as the abdominal aorta (2.5 cm in diameter)
How does the pancreas appear on CT compared to the liver and spleen?
Similar enhancement with contrast
How does an edematous pancreas appear on CT compared to the liver and spleen?
Less dense
More dense if hemorrhagic
How does pancreatitis appear on ultrasound?
Edematous pancreas Gallstones Dilated common bile duct Pseudocyst Poorly defined
The normal pancreas is in the ___peritoneum, ___cm long, and located in the ___.
Retro; 12-15; epigastrum
What surrounds the head of the pancreas?
Duodenum
What vein runs along the posterior inferior groove of the pancreas?
Splenic vein
The ___ duct traverses through the head of the pancreas and joins with the pancreatic duct at the ___ to empty bile into the descending part of the duodenum.
Common bile; ampulla of Vater
Imaging findings of chronic pancreatitis
Calcifications
Pseudocysts
Imaging of choice for pancreatitis
CT with IV contrast
Useful imaging procedures to evaluate pancreatic cancer
CT scan (evaluate tumor, stage) US/nuclear medicine (biliary obstruction)