Re-emphasis on Imaging of Acute Abdomen in Surgical and Gynaecological Practice with Pictorial Depictions: A Review
Felix U. Uduma *
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Teddy E. Ezirim
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abia State University, Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria
Itanyi Ukamaka
Department of Radiology, University of Abuja, Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
Isaac Udoh
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Catherine Eyo
Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Umar Aisha
Department of Radiology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Acute abdomen is a clinical emergency with core symptomatology of acute abdominal pain and hallmark requisite of speedy intervention. There are myriads of aetio-genesis that are basically multi-disciplinary.
Radiological imaging complements clinical examinations to arrive at meaningful diagnosis. Sometimes imaging becomes the major diagnostic alternative to the encumbrances of palpating a tender, rigid abdomen.
Regrettably, despite the exploits of imaging, decision making process in some cases of acute abdomen could still be a major challenge, as no specific diagnosis may be made in these peculiar cases.
Some common cases seen in our various practice are depicted pictorially in this text to drive home some essential points of acute abdomen.
Keywords: Acute abdomen, pain, emergency, ultrasonography, computed tomography, coventional radiography