Abdomen

The best test to evaluate the gallbladder is usually an ultrasound.  While many other imaging tests are able to identify abnormalities, ultrasound is the best test to evaluate for gallstones,…

Timed esophogram procedure is done to evaluate how the esophagus empties.  It is often ordered for Achalasia.  I have seen it ordered for other conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis.  …

Fluid around the liver on CT has many different causes.  Often times, the history and imaging appearance of the fluid can narrow down the possibilities.  The fluid can be simple…

Free air or pneumoperitoneum is air that is in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen.  This is abnormal because the only air seen should be within bowel.  The peritoneal cavity…

Acute appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix.  The appendix is a finger like pouch that comes off the large intestine in the right lower abdomen.   Acute appendicitis causes…

The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the intestine.  Bile helps with digestion.  The bile duct is partially imaged in ultrasound tests.  The technologist who performs then ultrasound…

Right upper quadrant ultrasound for pain is a quick way to assess the right upper abdomen.  The test looks at the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, right kidney and pancreas.  Abnormalities…

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of structures in your body.  Ultrasound is done by a specially trained technologist.  The quality and accuracy of the exam is…

CT for right upper abdominal pain is commonly ordered to identify the cause.  This is often referred to as right upper quadrant pain.  The abdomen is divided into quadrants in…

Low density abnormalities of the pancreas on CT are commonly identified.  The diagnosis can sometimes not be made on CT alone.  MRI of the abdomen is often recommended because it…