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Diagnostic radiology

Abdominal Diagnostic Radiology

221 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and classroom questions.

This section focuses on diagnostic imaging of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, and pelvis. We cover in detail the normal anatomy and imaging modalities of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, pancreas, and urogenital tract.

The material covers the entire diagnostic spectrum: from basic esophageal fluoroscopy to multiparametric prostate MRI (PI-RADS system) and adrenal PET/CT. You will study the imaging signs of emergency conditions (acute abdomen, pneumoperitoneum, urogenital trauma), oncopathologies (gastric, endometrial, and bladder cancer), developmental anomalies, and chronic processes (liver cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, steatosis).

In practical classes and exams, instructors most frequently require a clear knowledge of algorithms for emergency conditions (acute pancreatitis, gastric volvulus), the ability to differentiate solid and cystic renal masses, and an understanding of the principles for evaluating adrenal incidentalomas and renal transplant complications. This is the knowledge that saves lives on duty and prevents retakes.

Section Topics

Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomographyChest computed tomography with intravenous contrastRadiological syndromesRadiological syndromes represent stable combinations ofDiagnostic imaging of acute abdomenModern diagnostic imaging of the "acute abdomen" increasingly reliesPneumoperitoneumPneumoperitoneumGastric VolvulusVolvulus ventriculiGallstone IleusIleus biliarisSmall Bowel ObstructionIleusSigmoid volvulusVolvulus coli sigmoideiPseudomembranous colitisColitis pseudomembranosaDiagnostic imaging of acute appendicitisAppendicitis acutaRadiation dose in CTIonizing radiation in computed tomography carries stochas-Abdominal MRI during pregnancyMagnetic resonance imaging is a crucial tool for visuali-CT of the rectumComputed tomography (CT) is a highly sensitive imaging methodAnatomy and physiology of the esophagusOesophagusDiagnostic imaging of esophageal diseasesComprehensive diagnostic imaging and instrumental assessment of esophagealEsophageal cancerA malignant neoplasm in which a key role is played byGlycogenic acanthosis of the esophagusAcanthosis glycogenicaEsophagitisOesophagitisEsophageal motility disordersEsophageal motility disorders are a group of pathological conditions in whichEsophageal varicesEsophageal varices are a pathological alteration of the venousEsophageal ruptureEsophageal rupture is a critical, life-threatening condition thatContrast-enhanced abdominal CTContrast-enhanced computed tomography is the leading tomographicBarium X-ray examination of the GI tractBarium swallow fluoroscopy is a classic instrumental methodAnatomy of the stomachGasterDiagnostic imaging methods of the stomachDiagnostic imaging of the stomach includes contrast fluoroscopyPeptic ulcer disease of the stomachUlcus gastriAtrophic gastritisGastritis atrophicaCrohn's disease of the stomachMorbus CrohnCorrosive gastritisGastritis corrosivaGastric polypsPolypi gastriGastrointestinal stromal tumorsGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most commonGastric lipomaLipoma gastriGastric cancerCarcinoma ventriculiPrimary gastric lymphomaLymphoma gastriEmphysematous gastritisGastritis emphysematosaGastric outlet obstructionGastric outlet obstruction is a pathological condition in whichEctopic pancreasEctopic (aberrant) pancreas is a condition in whichOperated stomachOperated stomach is an altered anatomical state following sur-X-ray examination of the stomachX-ray examination of the stomach is a classic diagnostic imaging methodMRI of lymph nodesMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential diagnostic imaging toolDuodenumDuodenumSmall intestine imagingIntestinum tenueCrohn's diseaseMorbus CrohnSmall bowel tumorsSmall bowel neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of tumors, two-thirdsWhipple's diseaseMorbus WhippleSmall bowel diverticulitisDiverticulitisAnatomy of the peritoneal cavity and omentumCavitas peritonealisMesenteric pathologiesMesenteriumPeritoneal echinococcosisEchinococcosis peritonealisPathologies of the omentum and peritoneumOmentumMRI of the intestinesMagnetic resonance and computed enterography are modern standardsAbdominal MRIMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly informative imaging methodBarium swallow and GI seriesBarium contrast X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract is a classicAnatomy of the large intestineIntestinum crassumImaging modalities for the colonModern visualization of the large intestine is based on tomographic methodsColonic polypsPolypus intestini crassiColorectal cancerCarcinoma colorectaleRectal cancerCarcinoma rectiAnal canal cancerCarcinoma canalis analisDiverticular disease of the colonDiverticulosis intestini crassiColitisColitisParasitic infections of the colonParasitic infestations and specific infections of the colon frequently mimicToxic megacolonMegacolon toxicumColonic stricturesStrictura intestini crassiIntestinal volvulusVolvulusRetrocortical massesRetrorectal masses are a group of space-occupying lesions locatedColonic motility disordersDisorders of colonic motility and transit of contents are a complexAnal fistulaFistula aniX-ray examination of the intestinesDiagnostic imaging of the large intestine is based on tomographic methodsContrast-enhanced CT of the intestinesComputed tomography using contrast agents is the primary methodRadiological anatomy of the biliary tractSystema biliareT-tube cholangiographyT-tube cholangiography is a radiocontrast examination thatIntrahepatic cholelithiasisCholelithiasisAcute cholecystitisCholecystitis acutaGallbladder cancerCarcinoma vesicae biliarisGallbladder polypsPolypus vesicae felleaeBiliary obstructionBiliary obstruction is an impairment of bile outflow requiring precise imagingCholedocholithiasisCholedocholithiasisPrimary sclerosing cholangitisCholangitis sclerosans primariaMirizzi syndromeMirizzi syndrome is a rare but severe complication of cholelithiasisDiagnostic imaging of pancreatitisPancreatitisBiliary tract injuriesBiliary tract injuries and bile leaks are serious conditionsCholangiocarcinomaCholangiocarcinomaLiver and gallbladder ultrasoundTransabdominal ultrasound is a diagnostic methodMR cholangiopancreatographyMagnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a modernMRI of the gallbladder and biliary tractMagnetic resonance imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) areAnatomy of the liver and spleenHepar et LienHepatic steatosisSteatosis hepatisLiver cirrhosisCirrhosis hepatisFocal hepatic calcificationFocal hepatic calcification is an accumulation of calcium salts in the liver parenchymaPneumobiliaPneumobiliaLiver cystsCystic lesions of the liver represent a diverse group of pathologiesHepatic hemangiomaHaemangioma hepatisFocal nodular hyperplasia of the liverFocal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign lesionLiver adenomaAdenoma hepatisHepatocellular carcinomaCarcinoma hepatocellulareLiver metastasesLiver metastases are secondary tumor foci requiring comprehensivePortal vein thrombosisPortal vein thrombosis is a partial or complete occlusion of the portal vein trunkLiver traumaLiver trauma includes various injuries to the parenchyma and capsule of the organRadiological anatomy of the spleenLienSplenic infarctionInfarctus lienisSplenic cystsSplenic cysts are a broad group of pathologies that include bothSplenic lymphomaSplenic lymphoma is a malignant neoplastic involvement of the organContrast-enhanced pelvic CTContrast-enhanced computed tomography of the pelvis is the leading methodLiver lesions on CTComputed tomography allows for precise differentiation of focal changesNormal splenic dimensions on ultrasoundOn ultrasound examination, the normal spleen has a homogeneous structureRadiological anatomy of the pancreasPancreasCongenital pancreatic anomaliesPancreas annulareDiagnostic imaging of acute pancreatitisPancreatitis acutaDiagnostic imaging of chronic pancreatitisPancreatitis chronicaAutoimmune pancreatitisAutoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a specific inflammatory conditionDiagnostic imaging of pancreatic cancerCarcinoma pancreatisPancreatic neuroendocrine tumorsPancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of neoplasmsCystic lesions of the pancreasCystic lesions of the pancreas are a heterogeneous group of pathologiesPancreatic metastasesMetastatic involvement of the pancreas is characterized by extremelyVon Hippel-Lindau syndromeMorbus von Hippel-LindauPancreatic traumaBlunt abdominal trauma can lead to severe injuries of the parenchymaPancreas transplantationPancreas transplantation is frequently performed as part of a combinedPancreatic MRIPancreatic MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging methodHematuriaHaematuriaLow-dose renal CTLow-dose computed tomography is a specialized protocolRenal massesRenal masses are a group of pathological changes in the parenchymaDiagnostic imaging of urinary tract obstructionUrinary tract obstruction requires rapid and precise identification of causesRenal failureRenal failure is a pathological condition in whichContrast-induced nephropathyContrast-induced nephropathy is a specific impairment of functionAcute pyelonephritisPyelonephritis acutaRenal abscessAbscessus renisEmphysematous renal infectionsEmphysematous renal infections are severe inflammatory conditions ofXanthogranulomatous pyelonephritisXanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a severe inflammatory conditionChronic pyelonephritisPyelonephritis chronicaRenal tuberculosisTuberculosis renisChronic cystitisCystitis chronicaRenal agenesisAgenesis renisRadiation anatomy of the kidneysRenRadiation anatomy of the urethraUrethraAnomalies of position and structure of the kidneys and uretersAnomaliae renis et ureterisDiagnostic imaging of the urinary bladder and urethraVesica urinaria et urethraIntravenous urographyUrographia intravenosaComputed tomography urographyComputed tomography urography is a comprehensive multiphaseMagnetic resonance urographyMagnetic resonance urography (MRU) is a non-invasive diagnosticCongenital anomalies of the urinary tractCongenital anomalies of the urinary tract are a broad group of malformationsHorseshoe kidneyRen arcuatusPolycystic kidney diseasePolycystic kidney disease is a severe hereditary disorder in which the kidneysRenal scintigraphyRenal scintigraphy (radioisotope study) is a modern methodMegaureterMegaloureterBosniak classification of renal cystsThe Bosniak classification is used for standardized evaluation of cystsLithium-induced nephropathyLithium-induced nephropathy is a specific structural alterationRenal angiomyolipomaAngiomyolipomaRenal cystsRenal cysts are a group of benign neoplasms that canCT of urinary calculiComputed tomography allows not only visualization of kidney stonesNephrocalcinosisNephrocalcinosisImaging methods for the kidneysDiagnostic imaging is the foundation for detecting and characterizing massCystic renal lesionsCystic renal lesions are a group of heterogeneous pathologies, includingRenal vascular anomaliesRenal vascular anomalies represent a heterogeneous group of conditionsRenal cell carcinomaCarcinoma renocellulareHistory of kidney transplantationKidney transplantation has come a long way from the first experimental attemptsDiagnostic imaging of the renal transplantDiagnostic imaging of the renal transplant is a complex process of evaluatingVascular complications of the renal transplantVascular complications of the renal transplant are life-threatening conditionsComplications of kidney transplantationVarious complications can occur after kidney transplantation, ranging from vascularLiving Donor Kidney EvaluationRadiological evaluation of a potential kidney donor is a key stage of examiUpper tract urothelial carcinomaCarcinoma urothelialeCT and MRI of the Urinary Tract in Urothelial CarcinomaCT urography is the gold standard for diagnostic imaging in patientDiagnostic imaging of bladder cancerCarcinoma vesicae urinariaeBladder Cancer StagingBladder cancer staging is based on the international Retroperitoneal CarcinomatosisRetroperitoneal carcinomatosis is a widespread malignant involvemeDifferential Diagnosis of Upper Urinary Tract TumorsIn imaging studies of the urinary system, the key Monitoring of Bladder Cancer TreatmentMonitoring of bladder cancer treatment includes regular clinical Rare Malignant Neoplasms of the Urinary BladderIn addition to typical and widespread urothelial carcinomas, the wallLeiomyoma of the urinary bladderLeiomyoma vesicae urinariaeCT of the Retroperitoneal SpaceComputed tomography (CT) of the retroperitoneal space is the current diagnDiagnostic imaging of prostate cancerCarcinoma prostataePI-RADS systemProstate Imaging–Reporting and Data SystemMultiparametric Prostate MRIMultiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is a comprehensive diagnostic imaging methodTNM Classification of Prostate CancerThe international staging system for prostate cancer describesMRI Staging of Prostate CancerMultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) is the mainMRI-Targeted Prostate BiopsyMRI-targeted prostate biopsy is a diagnostic mProstate UltrasoundUltrasound examination (most commonly transrectal ultrasound — TRUS) serves asMethods of Examining the Male Reproductive SystemThe main imaging method for the scrotal contents remains ultrasoundScrotal UltrasoundUltrasound is the primary imaging modality forDiagnostic Imaging of Testicular TumorsRadiological imaging of testicular masses aims at accurate stagingCryptorchidismCryptorchismusAnomalies and Obstruction of the Sperm DuctsObstruction and congenital anomalies of the vas deferens are a frequent cause ofPenile fractureFractura penisDiagnostic Imaging Methods in Gynecological OncologyModern gynecological oncology utilizes a multimodal approach to imaginDiagnostic Imaging of Endometrial CancerRadiological imaging methods are not included in the official classification systemDiagnostic Imaging of Cervical CancerMagnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for locoregionalDiagnostic Imaging of Ovarian CancerDiagnostic imaging of ovarian cancer is based on the step-by-step application of USAbdominal Imaging in Gynecological OncologyDiagnostic imaging in gynecological oncology relies primarily on metTransabdominal UltrasoundTransabdominal US is a non-invasive primary imaging methodImaging Methods in GynecologyDiagnostic imaging of the female reproductive system is based on a combiUterine Developmental AnomaliesUterine developmental anomalies are a group of congenital malformations arising inUterine FibroidsMyoma uteriAdenomyosis and EndometriosisEndometriosisPelvic Inflammatory DiseasePelvic inflammatory disease represents a broadBenign Ovarian ConditionsBenign ovarian conditions account for about 90% of all ovariOvarian TorsionOvarian torsion is an emergency condition, representing partialVaginal CystsVaginal cysts are fluid-filled lesions of various etiologies, localEctopic PregnancyGraviditas extrauterinaPlacental and Uterine Vascular PathologyPlacenta accretaTissue Density on CTTissue attenuation is a basic parameter of computed tomographMRI in EndometriosisMagnetic resonance imaging is a second-line imaging method for endometriUltrasound ContraindicationsUltrasound is the fundamental method of primary visualUrogenital System TraumaTrauma systematis urogenitalisRenal TraumaTrauma renisUreteral TraumaTrauma ureterisBladder TraumaTrauma vesicae urinariaeUrethral TraumaTrauma urethraeScrotal TraumaTrauma scrotiPelvic Computed TomographyPelvic computed tomography is a modern cross-sectioCystographyCystography is a radiological imaging method of the urinary bladder usingRadiation Anatomy of the Adrenal GlandsGlandulae suprarenalesAdrenal IncidentalomaAn adrenal incidentaloma is a mass discovered serendipitously duringPET/CT and Adrenal ScintigraphyPET/CT and scintigraphy are molecular imaging methods that play a keyAdrenal Cysts and MyelolipomasMyelolipomaAdrenocortical CarcinomaCarcinoma adrenocorticaleDiagnostic Imaging of Functioning Adrenocortical TumorsRadiological imaging of functioning adrenal tumors is performedPheochromocytomaPheochromocytomaAddison's Disease and Adrenal HypofunctionMorbus AddisoniDiagnostic Imaging: CT and X-rayDiagnostic imaging using digital radiography and computPlain RadiographyPlain radiography is a basic diagnostic imaging method allowingNormal Lung CT AppearanceWhen studying the normal lung CT appearance, the radiologist evaluates not o

Frequently asked questions for this section

Why is contrast usually not administered during chest HRCT?

The contrast agent falsely increases the density of lung parenchyma, creating a "ground-glass" effect, which hinders the correct diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases.

What radiographic features are typical for hemochromatosis arthropathy?

A specific pattern is involvement of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpophalangeal joints with hook-like osteophytes in the presence of intact interphalangeal joints and wrist chondrocalcinosis.

Is upright abdominal radiography necessary in acute abdomen?

Currently, this method is not recommended. It has been proven that assessing fluid and gas levels on upright abdominal radiographs is unreliable and can yield false results.

In which CT window should small pockets of free intraperitoneal gas be looked for?

Free gas must be sought using wide window settings—the so-called lung window (W: 1500, L: -600)—since it is easily missed on standard abdominal scans.

What is the CT appearance of mesentericaxis volvulus?

On CT and fluoroscopy, it appears as an "inverted stomach," in which the distal portion (antrum and pylorus) is located cranially relative to the proximal portion.

Why is a gallstone difficult to find on CT in gallstone ileus?

Only about 15% of gallstones contain enough calcium to be radiopaque. Most stones have a CT attenuation similar to the small bowel contents.

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