Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) system can be investigated radiologically through a variety of imaging modalities from mouth to anus. Fluoroscopic studies using barium or water-soluble contrast agents are established techniques which are used to assess the lumen. Advances in radiology have allowed cross-sectional imaging to develop, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These modalities not only assess the lumen but can also evaluate the wall and extraluminal structures within the body. It is important to understand the wide spectrum of normality in the GI system on all imaging modalities to avoid confusion with true pathology. A number of techniques such as the use of oral and/or intravenous contrast material can be used when protocoling scans to help increase our sensitivity and specificity of detecting pathology. Despite this, it is possible to misinterpret scans or miss pathology. We provide examples where pathology was missed or misinterpreted and learning points with illustrated cases to emphasize important aspects of GI radiology and highlight diagnostic pitfalls of which to be aware.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Abbreviations
- CT:
-
Computed tomography
- GI:
-
Gastrointestinal
- MDCT:
-
Multi-detector CT
- MRI:
-
Magnetic resonance imaging
References
Chandra J, Grierson C, Bungay H (2012) Normal variations in pancreatic contour are associated with intestinal malrotation and can mimic neoplasm. Clin Radiol 67:1187–1192
Fibus T (2000) Intraperitoneal rupture of a benign cystic ovarian teratoma: findings at CT and MR imaging. AJR Am J Roentgenol 174:261–262
Ghai S, Pattison J, Ghai S et al (2007) Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma: spectrum of imaging findings with pathologic correlation. Radiographics 27:1371–1388
Hargunania R, Maclachlana J, Kaniyurb S et al (2009) Cross-sectional imaging of gastric neoplasia. Clin Radiol 64:420–429
Heffernan C, Pachter HL, Megibow AJ et al (2005) Stercoral colitis leading to fatal peritonitis: CT findings. AJR Am J Roentgenol 184:1189–1193
Hernanz-Schulman M (2005) Vascular rings: a practical approach to imaging diagnosis. Pediatr Radiol 35:961–979
Horton K, Fishman EK (2008) MDCT and 3D imaging in transient enteroenteric intussusception: clinical observations and review of the literature. AJR Am J Roentgenol 191:736–742
O’Connor AR, Coakley FV, Meng MV et al (2003) Imaging of retained surgical sponges in the abdomen and pelvis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 180:481–489
Purysko AS, Remer EM, Leão Filho HM et al (2011) Beyond appendicitis: common and uncommon gastrointestinal causes of right lower quadrant abdominal pain at multidetector CT. Radiographics 31:927–947
Quigley S, Colledge J, Mukherjee S et al (2011) Bariatric surgery: a review of normal postoperative anatomy and complications. Clin Radiol 66:903–914
Rabushka L, Kuhlman J (1994) Pneumatosis intestinalis appearance on MR examination. Clin Imaging 18:258–261
Shanbhogue AKP MD, Prasad SR, Jagirdar J et al (2010) Comprehensive update on select immune-mediated gastroenterocolitis syndromes: implications for diagnosis and management. Radiographics 30:1465–1487
Silva AC, Vens EA, Hara AK et al (2006) Evaluation of benign and malignant rectal lesions with CT colonography and endoscopic correlation. Radiographics 26:1085–1099
Upponi S, Ganeshana A, Slater A et al (2007) Imaging following surgery for oesophageal cancer. Clin Radiol 62:724–731
Wittenberg J, Harisinghani G, Jhaveri K et al (2010) Algorithmic approach to CT diagnosis of the abnormal bowel wall. Radiographics 22:1093–1109
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bungay, H., Mondal, D. (2015). Gastrointestinal System. In: Peh, W. (eds) Pitfalls in Diagnostic Radiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44169-5_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44169-5_16
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-662-44168-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-44169-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)