Imaging studies

Indication
Patients with severe abdominal symptoms including pain, acute onset of nausea, vomiting and obstruction, should undergo radiological studies to try and determine the underlying cause (Fig. 1a). When bowel wall lesions or obstruction are suspected plain films are often followed by barium studies in order to check bowel patency and transit time (Fig. 1b). In cases where the abdominal cavity is involved abdominal CT (Fig. 1c) and ultrasound (Fig. 1d) will follow. CT and transabdominal ultrasound are usually chosen for the examination of palpable masses, parenchymatous organs, retroperitoneal structures, the abdominal walls and the inguinal regions. Chest studies are often included in patients with upper abdominal symptoms and angiography and/or interventional techniques may be required in patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding.

David J. Allison, Olle Ekberg and Frans-Thomas Fork