113
Abdomen
Hints in General
1. Topogram: AP, 512 or 768 mm.
2. Patient positioning:
Patient lying in supine position, arms positioned
comfortably above the head in the head-arm rest,
lower legs supported.
3. Patient respiratory instructions: inspiration.
4. Oral administration of contrast medium:
For abdominal studies, it is necessary to delineate
the bowels from other structures such as lymph
nodes, abdominal masses & abscesses. Various
types of bowel opacifying agents can be used:
– Diluted barium suspension (1% – 2%) e.g. EZCAT
– Water soluble agent (2% – 4%) e.g. Gastrografin
– Water itself as a negative contrast agent.
4.Timing of the oral contrast administration is impor-
tant to ensure its even distribution in the bowels.
4.Upper abdomen:
Minimum 600 ml of contrast divided into 3 cups
(approximately 200 – 250 ml)
1stcup to drink 30 minutes before exam
2ndcup to drink 15 minutes before exam
3rdcup to drink 5 minutes before exam
4.Abdomen-Pelvis:
Minimum 1000 ml of contrast divided into 4 cups
1stcup to drink 1 hour before exam
2nd– 4th cups every subsequent 15 minutes
Start exam 5 minutes after the 4thcup is administered.