Diagnostic Imaging of the Acute Abdomen

The acute abdomen is one of the most frequent, most dangerous and most difficult problems that the diagnostic radiologist has to deal with. This comprehensive manual presents a clinico-radiologic approach to the use of diagnostic imaging techniques for acute abdominal conditions. Imaging techniques, radiologic symptoms and clinical conditions are treated separately. This lucid format, together with a detailed subject index, offer the reader a quick and reliable reference aid in daily practice. The text is clearly structured and concise in style, and provides helpful practical hints, including discussion of diagnostic pitfalls. It is supported by a wealth of illustrations covering native diagnosis, ultrasonography, computer tomography and angiography.

1 Clinical Examination and Symptoms.- 2 Imaging Techniques and Systematic Image Analysis (in Adults).- 2.1 Plain Abdominal Radiography.- 2.2 Real-Time Ultrasonography.- 2.3 Computed Tomography.- 2.4 Angiography.- 3 Radiographic, Sonographic, and Computed Tomographic Findings.- 3.1 Pathologic Gaseous Distension of the Intestinal Tract.- 3.2 Pathologic Thickening of the Bowel Wall - Separation of Gas-Filled Bowel Loops - Mucosal Alterations.- 3.3 Intraperitoneal Fluid Collections.- 3.4 Extraperitoneal Fluid Collections.- 3.5 Pathologic Gas Collections.- 3.6 Intra-abdominal Masses.- 3.7 Calcifications.- 3.8 Foreign Bodies.- 4 Major Diseases Associated with Acute Abdomen and Their Accessibility to Diagnostic Imaging.- 4.1 Acute Inflammatory Abdominal Diseases.- 4.2 Acute Bowel Diseases.- 4.3 Acute Hemorrhage.- 4.4 Acute Retroperitoneal Disorders.- 4.5 Acute Abdominal Trauma.- 4.6 Soft-Tissue Lesions of the Abdominal Wall and Back That Produce Acute Symptoms.- 4.7 Acute Diseases of the Lesser Pelvis.- 4.8 Acute Abdomen Following Operative and Diagnostic Procedures.- 5 Special Features of Acute Abdominal Disorders in Children.- 5.1 Acute Abdomen in Newborns.- 5.2 Acute Abdomen in Infants.- 5.3 Acute Abdomen in Small and School-Age Children.- 6 Evaluation of Imaging Procedures in the Diagnosis of Acute Abdomen.- 7 Subject Index.