Friday, October 21, 2005
Use of unenhanced Helical CT in ED
An acute abdomen is an acute abdominal disorder of uncertain cause that necessitates immediate medical or surgical attention.
Causes of abdominal pain: unknown 34% ; appendicitis 28%; cholecystitis 9.7%; small bowel obstruction 4.1%; GYN disease 4.0%; pancreatitis 2.9%; renal colic 2.9%; PPU 2.5%; cancer 1.5%; diverticular disease 1.5%.
Approximately 2/3 of patients with acute abdominal pain have a disease that may be diagnosed
on the basis of imaging findings.
Helical CT provides the combined advantages of speed and a seamless coverage of the abdomen with outstanding spatial resolution of and contrast between tissues.
Unenhanced CT provides definitive information in the
(a) evaluation of intra- and extraperitoneal hemorrhage,
(b)identification of coproliths,
(c)characterization of extraluminal air.
# posted by ER Palm @ 3:44 AM 
