rad rev abd thorax

In which position will barium gravitate to the fundus of the stomach?

In the supine position, barium will gravitate to the fundus of the stomach.

What happens to barium in the prone position?

In the prone position, barium will gravitate to the pylorus of the stomach.

What projection indicates that the image shows a barium-filled fundus?

The image showing a barium-filled fundus must have been made in the AP projection or LPO position.

What does the obliqueness of the vertebrae indicate about the patient's position?

The obliqueness of the vertebrae indicates that the patient is in an LPO position.

What is demonstrated in the body of the stomach during double-contrast imaging?

Double-contrast imaging demonstrates the rugal folds in the body of the stomach and delineates the pylorus and duodenal bulb.

What is Hirschsprung disease?

Hirschsprung disease, or congenital megacolon, is caused by the absence of some or all of the bowel ganglion/nerve cells, usually in the rectosigmoid area but occasionally more extensively.

What is the most common cause of lower GI obstruction in neonates?

Hirschsprung disease is the most common cause of lower GI obstruction in neonates.

How is Hirschsprung disease treated?

Hirschsprung disease is treated surgically by excision of the affected area followed by reanastomosis with the normal, healthy bowel.

How is Hirschsprung disease diagnosed?

Hirschsprung disease is diagnosed by barium enema (BE) or, in mild cases, by rectal biopsy.

What is intussusception?

Intussusception is the 'telescoping' of the bowel, causing mechanical obstruction.

What is volvulus?

Volvulus is twisting of the bowel on itself, causing mechanical obstruction.

What is pyloric stenosis?

Pyloric stenosis is a condition of the upper GI tract.

How is venous blood returned to the right atrium of the heart?

Venous blood is returned to the right atrium via the superior and inferior venae cavae and the coronary sinus.

What happens during atrial systole?

During atrial systole, blood passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.

What occurs during ventricular systole?

During ventricular systole, blood is pumped through the pulmonary semilunar valve into the pulmonary artery to the lungs for oxygenation.

What is unique about the pulmonary artery?

The pulmonary artery is the only artery to carry unoxygenated blood.

How is oxygenated blood returned to the heart?

Oxygenated blood is returned via the pulmonary veins, which are the only veins to carry oxygenated blood.

What happens during the second atrial systole?

During atrial systole, blood passes through the mitral (bicuspid) valve into the left ventricle.

What occurs during the second ventricular systole?

During ventricular systole, the oxygenated blood is pumped through the aortic semilunar valve into the aorta.

What do the coronary arteries supply?

The coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium.

What are chordae tendineae?

Chordae tendineae are connective tissue fibers that help limit the movement of valve flaps, preventing backflow of blood.

What is the issue with demonstrating the hepatic and splenic flexures in AP and PA projections?

The hepatic and splenic flexures are not generally well demonstrated in the AP and PA projections.

How can the flexures be better demonstrated?

To 'open' the flexures, oblique projections are required.

In which positions is the hepatic flexure usually well demonstrated?

The hepatic flexure is usually well demonstrated in the RAO (right PA oblique) and LPO (left AP oblique) positions.

Which positions are used to demonstrate the splenic flexure?

The LAO and RPO positions are used to demonstrate the splenic flexure.

What is pneumoconiosis?

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease characterized by particulate matter having been deposited in lung tissue.

What is anthracosis?

Anthracosis is a specific form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation and deposits of coal dust.

What is asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a specific form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers.

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a specific form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of silica/quartz dust.

What is emphysema?

Emphysema is the overdistension of the alveoli with air, often results from many years of smoking, and is characterized by dyspnea, especially when recumbent.

What is empyema?

Empyema is pus in the thoracic cavity.

What is pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax is air or gas in the pleural cavity.

What is empyesis?

Empyesis is any accumulation of pus.

What is ureteral reflux?

Ureteral reflux is the backward flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters.

When is ureteral reflux best demonstrated?

Ureteral reflux is best demonstrated during voiding.

Can ureteral reflux occur with a partially filled bladder?

Yes, ureteral reflux can occur even when the bladder is only partially filled with a contrast medium.

What happens to the vesicourethral orifice during urination?

The vesicourethral orifice, as well as other sphincter muscles, relaxes during urination.

What may cause vesicoureteral orifices to relax?

The vesicoureteral orifices may also relax during urination, which can cause reflux.

What is Wilm's tumor?

Wilm's tumor is a rapidly developing tumor of the kidney(s).

What is the most common childhood renal tumor?

Wilm's tumor is the most common childhood renal tumor, usually affecting only one kidney.

How effective are newer treatments for Wilm's tumor?

Newer treatments are effective in controlling about 90% of these tumors.

What examination is most appropriate when kidneys are affected by Wilm's tumor?

An IVU would be the most appropriate of the examinations listed.

What other examinations are useful for Wilm's tumor?

Other useful examinations would be CT scan and sonography.

What is the benefit of double-contrast studies of the large bowel?

Double-contrast studies of the large bowel are particularly useful for demonstration of the bowel wall and anything projecting into it, such as polyps.

What are polyps?

Polyps are projections of the bowel wall mucous membrane into the bowel lumen.

What is colitis?

Colitis is inflammation of the large bowel, often associated with ulcerations of the mucosal wall.

What is a potential issue with single-contrast studies?

A single-contrast study could obliterate mucosal conditions such as colitis.

How do double-contrast studies provide optimal delineation of the bowel mucosa?

Coating of the bowel mucosa with barium and subsequent filling of the bowel with air provide optimal delineation.

What conditions will single and double-contrast studies demonstrate related to the intestinal wall?

Single and double-contrast studies will demonstrate projections/outpouchings from the intestinal wall, such as diverticulosis/diverticulitis.

What position should be performed for demonstration of air-fluid levels in the abdomen?

An erect abdomen or left lateral decubitus should be performed for demonstration of air-fluid levels in the abdomen.

What position is used to demonstrate the layering of gallstones?

The right lateral decubitus position is used to demonstrate the layering of gallstones.

Will the right lateral decubitus position show free air within the peritoneum?

No, the right lateral decubitus position will not show free air within the peritoneum because of the overlying gastric bubble on the elevated left side of the body.

How are the ribs below the diaphragm best demonstrated?

The ribs below the diaphragm are best demonstrated with the diaphragm elevated by placing the patient in a recumbent position and taking the exposure at the end of exhalation.

How are the ribs above the diaphragm best demonstrated?

The ribs above the diaphragm are best demonstrated with the diaphragm depressed by placing the patient in the erect position and taking the exposure at the end of deep inspiration.