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Oncologist, radiologist

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Method of computed tomography of the abdominal cavity

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Method of computed tomography

Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity is also carried out in the transverse direction (axial sections). The standard thickness of the cut is 10 mm, the pitch of the table is 8 mm, the overlap of the previous cut is 1 mm. In recent years, there has been a tendency to reduce the thickness of sections to 5-8 mm.

Sequence analysis of CT images

As in the analysis of CT images of the chest, we advise you to begin viewing the sections of the abdominal cavity from the tissues of the abdominal wall. It is more expedient to evaluate them consecutively in the cranio-caudal direction. At the same time, it is not necessary to concentrate attention on all visualized structures simultaneously. For beginners, we recommend that you methodically examine each organ or system from the top down. In this way, a series of sections are inspected two or three times. Becoming an experienced specialist, you can develop your own technique for examining tomograms. An experienced radiologist is able to identify all the pathological changes in the slices for one scan from top to bottom.

It is more convenient to evaluate internal organs that are at the same level in the cross section. At the same time, the liver and spleen are treated, paying attention to their similar internal structure, size and even edge. It will also be correct to simultaneously evaluate the pancreas and adrenal glands, which are located on the same level. When examining the urinary system as a whole, you can first examine the genitals with the bladder in the small pelvis, and then the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract, regional lymph nodes and trunk vessels in the retroperitoneal space.

In conclusion, assess the condition of the spinal canal and scan the bones for sclerotic or destructive pathological changes.

Abdominal wall: (especially carefully examine the periapical and inguinal areas) hernias, enlarged lymph nodes?

Liver and spleen: a parenchyma of a homogeneous structure without focal changes? Are the boundaries of the body clear?

Gallbladder: Are the boundaries clear, the wall thin? Concretions?

Pancreas, adrenal: the boundaries of the body are clear, the size is normal?

Kidneys, ureters, bladder: the allocation of CS symmetrical? Signs of obstruction, atrophy? Is the wall of the bladder smooth and thin?

Sexual organs: homogeneous structure of the prostate, normal size? Seminal cord, uterus and ovaries?

Gastrointestinal: the boundaries are clear, the normal thickness of the walls? Narrowing or enlarging the lumen?

The retroperitoneal space: the vessels: aneurysms? Blood clots?

Enlarged lymph nodes?

mesenteric - (normal to 10 mm)
Retrocircular - (normally up to 7 mm)
para-aortic - (normally up to 7 mm)
iliac - (normally up to 12 mm)
inguinal - (normal to 18 mm)

Bone window: the lumbar spine and pelvis: degenerative changes? Fractures? Focal sclerotic or destructive changes? Narrowing of the spinal canal?

trusted-source [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

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