GI Imaging Flashcards
Used for evaluations of ulcers, GERD, vomiting, blood loss, hiatal hernia
barium swallow + fluoro
Contrast allows for exam of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
barium swallow + fluoro
What is usually done before a small bowel follow-through?
upper/lower GI endoscopy
pictures taken while barium fills the colon
Can show extent of inflammatory bowel disease. Polyps and diverticulae can be visualized. Not utilized as much as it used to be
barium enema
Sensitive method to diagnose abdominal diseases. Frequently used to stage and follow cancer. Good for evaluation of lower quadrant abdominal pain
abdominal CT
Good for: renal stones, appendicitis, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, bowel obstruction
abdominal CT
First line for detecting solid organ injury after trauma
abdominal CT
Useful for detection and staging of abdominal malignancies. FDG is attracted to areas of high metabolic turnover
abdominal PET
Used to diagnose and stage malignancies. Image lesions of liver, biliary tree, pancreas
abdominal MRI
Can be combined with endoscopy, visualize structures in hollow organs. Hampered by fat, air
abdominal ultrasonography
Preferred imaging for right upper quadrant pain
abdominal ultrasonography
Does not show diaphragmatic tears, pancreatic lesions, bowel perforations, mesenteric trauma
abdominal ultrasonography
Can visualize the inner wall of the upper GI tract to the duodenum. Minimally invasive
endoscopy
As well as visualizing the tissues, can: Biopsy, electro-coagulate, resect tissue, dilate, remove foreign bodies
endoscopy
Detects only half of polyps. Misses 40-50% of cancers located beyond the view of the sigmoidoscope. Often limited by discomfort, poor bowel preparation
flexible sigmoidoscopy
