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Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
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MDCT of the abdomen.
1Department for Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospitals of Ulm, Steinhoevelstrasse 9, D 89070 Ulm, Germany. andrik.aschoff@uni-ulm.de
European Radiology
|July 26, 2008
Summary
Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) offers rapid abdominal imaging, enabling detailed CT angiography and improving diagnosis of gastrointestinal issues like tumors, bleeding, and ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) provides fast, thin abdominal imaging, facilitating multi-planar studies during specific circulatory phases.
- Adequate bolus timing allows for high-contrast arterial phase CT angiography, often negating the need for diagnostic angiography.
- MDCT is increasingly used for acute abdominal pain, trauma, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract evaluations, including tumors, bleeding, and ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding indications and utility of MDCT in evaluating the gastrointestinal tract.
- To discuss the role of MDCT in diagnosing GI tumors, bleeding, ischemia, and diverticulitis.
- To highlight the benefits of MDCT in acute abdominal conditions and obscure GI bleeding.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical applications of MDCT in abdominal and gastrointestinal imaging.
- Discussion of protocol variations, including CT enteroclysis, for enhanced small bowel visualization.
- Analysis of MDCT's ability to detect hypervascular submucosal masses (e.g., GIST), assess bowel ischemia, and identify bleeding sources.
Main Results:
- MDCT is effective for preoperative assessment (liver, pancreas) and crucial in evaluating acute abdominal pain and trauma.
- Indications for GI MDCT include tumors (e.g., GIST), bleeding (melena, hematemesis, hematochezia), ischemia, and diverticulitis.
- MDCT accurately demonstrates ischemic bowel changes, aids in identifying the cause of ischemia, and detects complications. CT enteroclysis may improve sensitivity for small bowel pathology.
Conclusions:
- MDCT is a versatile tool in abdominal imaging with expanding roles in gastrointestinal diagnostics.
- It is particularly valuable for acute conditions, obscure bleeding, and characterizing GI pathologies like tumors and ischemia.
- Optimized protocols, such as CT enteroclysis, can further enhance diagnostic accuracy for specific small bowel diseases.
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Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
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The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
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Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
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