Acute Abdominal Pain

Symptom

acute abdominal pain

Considerations

• Consider abdominal xray if readily available, but it should not delay CT or MRI. Xray useful really for three things: obstruction, detecting free air, foreign material. Does NOT have the sensitivity of cross sectional imaging has - CT, MR, US best choices
• CT generally better for suspected perforation or abscess as ultrasound and MR limited for gas. But in pregnant patient, consider ultrasound or MRI first before CT. Consider ultrasound in high suspicion for appendicitis in kids<14.

Recommended tests

• CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast
• CT abdomen and pelvis without IV or oral contrast
• MRI abdomen with gadolinium
• US abdomen complete study

For other considerations, call or text the radiologist.