GI Radiology

Which of the following is the first-line imaging modality for biliary pathology?

What is the main indication for plain X-rays of the abdomen?

Which imaging modality is preferred for evaluating the inside lumen of the bowel?

When might MRCP be used instead of ultrasound for evaluating gallstones?

What is a potential drawback of using barium studies for evaluating the bowel?

Which of the following imaging modalities is commonly used to diagnose and monitor small bowel disease?

Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for evaluating diverticular disease?

What is the advantage of using ultrasound in children with acute abdomen compared to other modalities?

Radiology Modalities in Gastrointestinal Radiology

X-ray: used mainly for suspected bowel obstruction, poor soft tissue resolution
Barium studies: can show the inside lumen of the bowel, used mainly for swallowing disorders
Ultrasound: first line in biliary pathology, good for liver, spleen, and ascites, first line in children with acute abdomen, can diagnose and monitor small bowel disease
CT: used extensively in the abdomen, can show normal anatomy, appendicitis, diverticular disease, liver cirrhosis with ascites, splenomegaly, and gallstones
MRI: specifically used for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatogram (MRCP) to look for gallstones in the CBD if ultrasound can't see them
Nuclear medicine: no specific details mentioned

Barium Studies

Fluoroscopy: X-ray video
Normal anatomy on Barium studies: no specific details mentioned

Conditions and Pathologies

Achalasia: no specific details mentioned
Hiatus hernia: no specific details mentioned
Barium enema: used to look for polyps and inflammation of the colon, largely redundant now, replaced by CT colonography
Small bowel obstruction vs Large bowel obstruction: no specific details mentioned
Appendicitis: can be diagnosed using CT
Diverticular disease: can be diagnosed using CT
Liver cirrhosis with ascites: can be diagnosed using CT
Splenomegaly: can be diagnosed using CT
Gallstones: only 10% are calcified, ultrasound is better for diagnosis

Introduction to radiology modalities used in gastrointestinal imaging, including X-ray, Barium, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and Nuclear medicine. Normal anatomy on Barium studies and fluoroscopy are also covered.