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What is the advantage of an erect abdominal x-ray over a supine film?
What is the advantage of an erect abdominal x-ray over a supine film?
What does an AXR stand for in the context of abdominal x-rays?
What does an AXR stand for in the context of abdominal x-rays?
What is the radiation dose equivalent of an abdominal radiograph (AXR)?
What is the radiation dose equivalent of an abdominal radiograph (AXR)?
What will the subsequent parts of the series on interpreting plain abdominal radiographs cover?
What will the subsequent parts of the series on interpreting plain abdominal radiographs cover?
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In what position is a decubitus film taken for abdominal radiographs?
In what position is a decubitus film taken for abdominal radiographs?
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Which type of abdominal radiograph has a radiation dose equivalent to 50 posteroanterior chest x rays?
Which type of abdominal radiograph has a radiation dose equivalent to 50 posteroanterior chest x rays?
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What does a metallic object appear as in a plain radiograph?
What does a metallic object appear as in a plain radiograph?
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How is normal small bowel distinguished from normal colon in a plain radiograph?
How is normal small bowel distinguished from normal colon in a plain radiograph?
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What does a 'mottled' appearance in a plain radiograph indicate?
What does a 'mottled' appearance in a plain radiograph indicate?
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What is the significance of finding gas in the portal vein on a plain radiograph?
What is the significance of finding gas in the portal vein on a plain radiograph?
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What is the best approach to appreciate normality in plain radiographs?
What is the best approach to appreciate normality in plain radiographs?
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What does a 'gastric pseudotumour' represent on a supine film?
What does a 'gastric pseudotumour' represent on a supine film?
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How is normal small bowel differentiated from normal colon?
How is normal small bowel differentiated from normal colon?
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What is the main purpose of assessing the technical details of an abdominal radiograph?
What is the main purpose of assessing the technical details of an abdominal radiograph?
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What should be noted when viewing an abdominal radiograph?
What should be noted when viewing an abdominal radiograph?
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What does it indicate when no bowel dilatation or extraluminal air is observed on an abdominal radiograph?
What does it indicate when no bowel dilatation or extraluminal air is observed on an abdominal radiograph?
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Why are differences in densities important for clarity of outlines on chest radiographs?
Why are differences in densities important for clarity of outlines on chest radiographs?
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What is typically seen as a normal finding within the left upper quadrant on an abdominal radiograph?
What is typically seen as a normal finding within the left upper quadrant on an abdominal radiograph?
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What are examples of iatrogenic structures that may be identified in an abdominal x-ray?
What are examples of iatrogenic structures that may be identified in an abdominal x-ray?
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What may the loss of properitoneal fat planes surrounding the major abdominal organs indicate?
What may the loss of properitoneal fat planes surrounding the major abdominal organs indicate?
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Which position serves as a useful reference point for identifying vertebrae in an abdominal x-ray?
Which position serves as a useful reference point for identifying vertebrae in an abdominal x-ray?
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What type of finding includes bullets or a per rectum object in an abdominal x-ray?
What type of finding includes bullets or a per rectum object in an abdominal x-ray?
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What is the usual length of the renal outline in an abdominal x-ray?
What is the usual length of the renal outline in an abdominal x-ray?
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In what region are the kidneys usually located in an abdominal x-ray?
In what region are the kidneys usually located in an abdominal x-ray?
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What can be observed more clearly if full within the pelvis in an abdominal x-ray?
What can be observed more clearly if full within the pelvis in an abdominal x-ray?
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What type of structures include pyjama buttons, coins in pockets, or body piercings in an abdominal x-ray?
What type of structures include pyjama buttons, coins in pockets, or body piercings in an abdominal x-ray?
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Study Notes
Abdominal X-Rays
- An erect abdominal x-ray is advantageous over a supine film because it allows for better demonstration of free gas under the diaphragm.
Abbreviations and Definitions
- AXR stands for Abdominal X-Ray.
Radiation Dose
- An abdominal radiograph (AXR) has a radiation dose equivalent to 0.05-0.5 mSv.
Series on Interpreting Plain Abdominal Radiographs
- The subsequent parts of the series will cover the approach to interpreting plain abdominal radiographs, including normal and abnormal findings.
Decubitus Film
- A decubitus film is taken with the patient in the lateral decubitus position for abdominal radiographs.
Radiation Dose Equivalent of Different X-Rays
- A KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder) x-ray has a radiation dose equivalent to 50 posteroanterior chest x-rays.
Appearance of Metallic Objects
- A metallic object appears as a dense, white, or extremely opaque structure in a plain radiograph.
Distinguishing Normal Small Bowel from Normal Colon
- Normal small bowel is distinguished from normal colon by its feathery appearance and central location, while the colon is peripheral and has a haustral pattern.
'Mottled' Appearance
- A 'mottled' appearance in a plain radiograph indicates bowel ischemia or infarction.
Gas in the Portal Vein
- Finding gas in the portal vein on a plain radiograph is significant because it indicates bowel necrosis or infarction.
Appreciating Normality in Plain Radiographs
- The best approach to appreciate normality in plain radiographs is to examine the film systematically, assessing the lung bases, diaphragm, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, small bowel, and colon.
Gastric Pseudotumor
- A 'gastric pseudotumor' on a supine film represents a normal stomach bubble.
Differentiating Normal Small Bowel from Normal Colon
- Normal small bowel is differentiated from normal colon by its central location, feathery appearance, and lack of haustral pattern.
Assessing Technical Details
- The main purpose of assessing the technical details of an abdominal radiograph is to ensure the film is adequate for interpretation.
Viewing an Abdominal Radiograph
- When viewing an abdominal radiograph, one should note the patient's position, kilovoltage, and exposure.
Absence of Bowel Dilatation or Extraluminal Air
- The absence of bowel dilatation or extraluminal air on an abdominal radiograph indicates a low risk of bowel obstruction or perforation.
Densities in Chest Radiographs
- Differences in densities are important for clarity of outlines on chest radiographs.
Normal Finding in the Left Upper Quadrant
- A normal finding within the left upper quadrant on an abdominal radiograph is the stomach bubble.
Iatrogenic Structures
- Examples of iatrogenic structures that may be identified in an abdominal x-ray include surgical clips, intrauterine devices, and pacemakers.
Loss of Properitoneal Fat Planes
- The loss of properitoneal fat planes surrounding the major abdominal organs may indicate inflammatory or malignant processes.
Identifying Vertebrae
- The L3 or L4 vertebral body serves as a useful reference point for identifying vertebrae in an abdominal x-ray.
Iatrogenic Objects
- Examples of iatrogenic objects that may be identified in an abdominal x-ray include bullets, per rectum objects, and surgical staples.
Renal Outline
- The usual length of the renal outline in an abdominal x-ray is 10-12 cm.
Location of Kidneys
- The kidneys are usually located in the upper retroperitoneum in an abdominal x-ray.
Pelvic Structures
- If full within the pelvis, the bladder can be observed more clearly on an abdominal x-ray.
Artifacts
- Artifacts that may be seen on an abdominal x-ray include pyjama buttons, coins in pockets, or body piercings.
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Description
Learn the basics of interpreting plain abdominal radiographs with this quiz. Designed for medical students starting out as doctors, this quiz will cover the common radiological interpretations and help you understand the normal radiographs.
