Abdomen
The abdominal X-ray, free air, obstruction and CT of the acute abdomen.
12 pages
Finding
- Abdominal and pelvic trauma on CT: liver, spleen, kidneys and shock bowelAfter a blow or a wound to the belly, a stable patient gets a contrast CT; an unstable one goes…
- Calcifications on the abdominal X-ray: stones and vesselsCalcium shows white on an X-ray, so some stones and hardened arteries can be seen on a plain…
- Focal liver lesions: cyst, haemangioma, abscess and tumourMost spots found in the liver are harmless cysts or haemangiomas; the patient's history and the…
- Free intraperitoneal air (pneumoperitoneum)Free air is gas that has escaped from the gut into the belly cavity
- Gallbladder and bile ducts: ultrasound, CT and MRCPUltrasound is the first look at the gallbladder and bile ducts; MRCP maps the ducts without a…
- Imaging in pancreatitis: when and whatPancreatitis is diagnosed by pain and blood tests; ultrasound looks for gallstones, and CT is…
- Imaging in suspected appendicitisWhen the appendix may be inflamed, ultrasound looks first in children and pregnant women; CT…
- Small and large bowel obstruction on X-ray and CTWhen the bowel is blocked, the loops above the block swell with gas and fluid and the bowel…
Modality
Reading
- CT of the acute abdomen: what to look forCT is the main scan for a sudden, severe belly pain in adults
- Reading an abdominal X-ray: the gas patternAn abdominal X-ray shows where the gas in the gut is and how wide the bowel is, which helps spot…
Choosing a study
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← Radiology and diagnostic imaging
Educational content; it does not replace a radiologist's report and is not a clinical instruction. Each study is ordered on the patient's assessment and your institution's protocols.
Representative model, for educational purposes only.