Role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of acute abdomen

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Role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of acute abdomen

Journal Title: MedPulse -International Medical Journal - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 5

Abstract

Background: The term ‘Acute Abdomen’ refers to any clinical condition characterised by severe abdominal pain that develops over a period of hours 1. For diagnosing the cause of ‘acute abdomen’, CT is superior to clinical evaluation basic laboratory investigations and inconclusive imaging examination regardless of duration of signs and symptoms in both traumatic and non-traumatic patients Aims and Objectives: To establish the value of CT as imaging modality of choice in evaluation of acute abdomen and to triage of patients of acute abdomen and decrease of negative laprotomies. It was also aimed to establish specific diagnosis to support initial clinical examinations. Materials and Methods: 50 patients of suspected acute abdomen; established by clinical findings and subsequent course referred to Department of Radiodiagnosis, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, for CT scan during the period of December 2013 to November 2015, comprised the material for the present study which fulfilled the inclusion criteria and do not come under the ambit of exclusion criteria. The usual CT scan protocol comprised of contiguous 5mm transaxial sections from dome of diaphragm to pubic symphysis after administration of oral and intravenous contrast media. Reconstructed images (Sagittal and Coronal) were generated from the data set. In our institute, we have used Trazograf (60%) 20 ml (Diatrizoate meglumine USP) as oral contrast medium. And for intravenous contrast medium, we used either Iopamidol Injection USP (Lek-Pamidol) or Iohexol (Omnipaque) in dose of 1-2 mg/kg body weight. Serial CT sections of abdomen was obtained in each case using fourth generation spiral CT scanner GEE Bright speed elect (16 slice). Results and Observations; The collective data was analysed for CT findings of traumatic as well as non-traumatic group which presented clinically as acute abdomen. The total number of cases analysed was 50. Conclusion: Computed tomography is an important modality in the evaluation of acute abdomen and may avoid unnecessary exploratory laprotomies. It may help in establishing specific diagnosis and grading severity in some diseases. It is also fast and cost effective.

Authors and Affiliations

Satya Prakash Shankaram, Ashok Kumar Mandal, Jagriti Narayan, Gyanendra Narain Singhal

Keywords

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EP ID EP492801
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