Diagnostic Evaluations: Radiology, Nuclear Scans, PET, CT Colography

Abstract

Controversy exists over the number of views or films needed to adequately examine the abdomen. Classical teaching recommends three views consisting of a supine abdomen, upright or lateral decubitus abdomen, and upright chest. Plain films do not offer as much anatomic detail as the cross-sectional imaging modalities, but they remain highly sensitive and specific when there is suspicion of a bowel obstruction or a perforated viscus. Other useful indications for plain films include longitudinal examination of megacolon, identification of foreign bodies, check positions of drains or catheters, and evaluation of associated skeletal diseases.