GI tract imaging

Question 1

When someone presents with acute abdo pain what should be done initially ?

Answer 1

• History & exammination
• Complemented by blood tests, urinanalysis & preg test if possibility of pregnancy
• Followed by investigations

Question 2

What should be your 1st & 2nd line investigations in someone presenting with possible perforation (i.e. localised or generalised peritionitis)?

Answer 2

• 1st line = erect CXR
• 2nd line = CT to help delineate source & show further features such as intra-peritoneal collections

Question 3

If you are suspecting a bowel source in someone with a distended abdomen (i.e. obstruction) what is your 1st & 2nd line investigations to be done ?

Answer 3

• 1st line = AXR
• 2nd line = CT to delinate the cause

Question 4

If a distended abdomen is thought to be due to fluid (i.e. ascites) what is the 1st line investigation you should use ?

Answer 4

1st line = US

Question 5

What is the main investigation which is used to diagnose the cause of haematemesis and what investigation is sometimes used as an adjunct?

Answer 5

• Upper GI endoscopy
• CT with IV contrast may be done acutely if the patient is still bleeding

Question 6

Prior to radiological investigation of someone with altered bowel habit what is it key to do ?

Answer 6

History & exammination + PR exam (so dont miss a rectal cancer which wouldnt be seen on imaging)

Question 7

What is the 1st and 2nd line radiological investigations of someone presenting with jaundice ?

Answer 7

• 1st line = US
• 2nd line = MRCP

Question 8

What scan can be used to localise active inflammation in IBD ?

Answer 8

Radio-labelled White Cell Scan