Cross-sectional imaging of acute abdominal conditions in the oncologic patient

Cross-sectional imaging of acute abdominal conditions encompasses a broad differential diagnosis, including traumatic, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies. In addition, an underappreciated contributor to the acute abdomen is oncologic disease and its treatment. Oncologic patients are at increased risk in the development of numerous acute abdominal conditions due to a combination of tumor invasion, sequelae of treatment, and altered immune response. Cross-sectional imaging of the oncologic patient poses several unique challenges due to the need to be able to evaluate surgically altered anatomy, evaluation of treatment response, and potential untoward effects of neoplasia and its treatment. The radiologist plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer diagnosis and management. In addition to diagnosis and follow-up assessment of disease response, the radiologist should be familiar with the imaging findings of acute conditions affecting the oncologic patient to optimize patient care. Recognition of key imaging findings can allow prompt diagnosis and facilitate treatment for potentially lethal abdominal conditions in the complex oncologic patient, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.