Abdominal Imaging Lecture Handout

Learning Objectives:

Describe different diagnostic imaging techniques. Explain the different modalities of GI imaging Identify core anatomical features on GI radiographs State systematic approach to presenting an abdominal film Use systematic approach to present an abdominal film

Plain films:

5 main densities seen:

1) Black... 2) Dark grey... 3) Grey... 4) White...5) Intense bright white...

Computed Tomography:

MRI:

T1...

T2...

Indications...

Anatomy of Plain film:

Different Modalities:

Barium swallow...

Barium meal...

Barium follow through...

Barium enema...

Large Bowel Small Bowel

Position

Diameter

Bowel markings

Number of loops

Systematic approach to presenting a film:

Demographics

Modality

Bowel gas pattern

Soft tissue outline

Areas of calcification

Skeletal abnormalities