Integrated Problems Radiology: Abdominal Pain

65 year old female presents to the emergency room with abdominal pain.

For each case, consider the following:

1. What imaging study (if any) would you order? Her symptoms could be due to a variety of things. A KUB could be done if there is a suggestion of perforation (peritoneal signs) as a quick survey to look for serious problems like free intraperitoneal air. If symptoms are more nonspecific, a CT is a good general survey of all of the abdominal organs.

2. What clinical information would you give to the radiologist who will be doing the study? It is important to include the details of the duration and type of symptoms the patient has, as well as any predisposing history that might be helpful.

3. Do you need to discuss anything with the radiologist before ordering the exam? If you are ordering a CT with IV contrast, it is important to make sure the patient has relatively normal renal function and no history of contrast allergy.