How does MDCT assist in diagnosing small bowel obstruction? MDCT is useful for evaluating small bowel obstruction; however, supine and erect abdominal radiographs should remain the initial diagnostic examination. MDCT with MPRs can determine the cause and level of obstruction, especially when high-grade. CT enteroclysis is the best imaging modality for low-grade obstruction. The site […]
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What are causes of small bowel wall thickening (> 3 mm) on MDCT? Smooth and concentric bowel wall thickening is typical for nonmalignant disease (e.g., Crohn’s; ulcerative colitis; and ischemic, infectious, or radiation enteritis). Extraintestinal findings are important. In acute Crohn’s, MDCT is the best initial examination to evaluate for associated abscesses, fibrofatty proliferation, fistulas,
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How has MDCT changed small bowel evaluation? MDCT with coronal and sagittal MPRs can image the entire abdomen in a single breath-hold acquisition, facilitating small bowel evaluation. Ideal small bowel imaging requires intraluminal and intravenous (IV) contrast and bowel distention to best evaluate the mucosa, bowel wall, and surrounding structures, including adjacent fat. Neutral contrast
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Role of imaging in the assessment of intraabdominal abscess US: US is best suited for evaluating pelvic and right and left upper quadrant abscesses, where the bladder, liver, and spleen provide acoustic windows for sound transmission. Abscesses vary in appearance but commonly are irregularly marginated and hypoechoic, with internal areas of increased echogenicity. MDCT: CT is the
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How is ascites differentiated from pleural effusion on CT? 1. Ascites is located anterior and pleural fluid posterior to the diaphragmatic crus. 2. Pleural effusion can appear to contact the spine. 3. Ascites has a sharper interface with intraabdominal organs than pleural fluid. 4. Unlike pleural fluid, ascites spares the bare area of the liver, which lies along the
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How is simple ascites distinguished from complicated ascites? Simple Ascites A. Watery transudate is usually caused by major organ failure (e.g., hepatic, renal, or cardiac). B. CT density is similar to water (0-20 HU); HU is higher as the fluid protein content increases. US: Simple ascites is anechoic, with increased through transmission and no internal septations. Ascites is
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What are the characteristic features of the four major cystic pancreatic neoplasms? A. Serous cyst adenoma (SCA) is more common in women older than 60, is overwhelmingly benign, and is often in the pancreatic head. SCA is composed of numerous cysts smaller than 2 cm. It calcifies more commonly than other pancreatic tumors. US: Often appears solid
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