Description #
This unit offers an introductory look at the anatomy of abdominal imaging.
Learning Objectives #
- Recognize findings on abdominal plain films that warrant emergency
management (abdominal free air, small bowel obstruction, cecal and sigmoid volvulus)
- Understand the role of contrast fluoroscopy exams in investigation of: dysphagia,
odynophagia, small bowel pathology, bowel obstruction and suspected hollow viscus
perforation
- Be familiar with the role of diagnostic imaging in the following clinical conditions:
Abdominal Distension: Select appropriate abdominal imaging.
Bowel obstruction: Sigmoid volvulus, Large/small bowel obstruction, intraperitoneal air, Plain film findings.
Abdominal Pain: Interpret abdominal x-rays, CT (if indicated), ultrasound (if indicated).
- Be able to identify normal abdominal anatomical structures on an abdominal plain film and CT including the stomach, duodenum, small and large bowels, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, vascular structures.
- Be able to recognize common pathological findings on supine/erect abdominal plain films: (free air, small bowel obstruction, colonic obstruction, cecal and sigmoid volvulus, ileus, calcified aortic aneurysm, benign calcifications, and pancreatic calcifications.)