A 45-year-old male presents with a chief complaint of pain in the abdominal area. The patient...

A 45-year-old male presents with a chief complaint of pain in the abdominal area. The patient had pain with palpation of the abdomen and standard x-rays were negative.

What other types of radiographic, diagnostic studies can be performed? What are the advantages of these studies over standard x-rays and is one study best?

Expert Solution

CT scan, ultrasonography and MRI are radiographic diagnostic techniques used for abdominal pain. CT scan detects any injury, tumor, internal bleeding, infection in abdomen. If CT scan results are abnormal doctors generally advice to do MRI. MRI examines lymph nodes, blood vessels, blood flow so that doctor can investigate the cause of pain. If there is any problem regarding large intestine and rectum doctor may suggest colonoscopy. Ultrasound detects any injury, disease or abnormal swelling of abdominal organs.

Blood test, urine test or stool examination can be done to detect any abnormality, disease or infection of abdomen.

X- ray machines sometimes cannot diagnose soft tissues, muscle damage and other body organs while CT scan can diagnose soft tissues, delicate organs. X- ray images are 2D while CT scan images are 3D. MRI also better option over X-ray and CT scan. It produces clearer image of soft tissues.

Nightingale answered 2 years ago

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