Abdomen

• Abdominopelvic Cavity


  Consists of two parts: Abdominal cavity (larger, superior) and Pelvic cavity (smaller, inferior)
• Abdominal cavity


  • Extends from diaphragm to superior aspect of bony pelvis
  • Contains: Stomach, small & large intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys
• Pelvic cavity


  • Lies within margins of bony pelvis
  • Contains: Rectum & Sigmoid colon, Urinary bladder, Reproductive organs
• Peritoneum


  • A double-walled seromembranous sac that encloses the abdominal cavity
  • Parietal layer (outer) and Visceral layer (inner)
• Peritoneal Cavity


  The space between the two layers of the peritoneum
• Peritoneal Folds


  • Mesentery
  • Omenta
• Retroperitoneum


  • The cavity behind the peritoneum
  • Contains: Kidneys, Pancreas
• Ascites


  Fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity
• Bowel Obstruction


  Blockage of bowel lumen
• Ileus

  Failure of bowel peristalsis
• Pneumoperitoneum


  Presence of air in peritoneal cavity
• AAA

  Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• NPO


  Nil per os (nothing by mouth)
• Abdominal Radiographic Procedures


  • Wide range of tissue thickness
  • Balance of exposure factors and radiation protection
  • Quality assessment criteria: Sharply defined outlines of psoas muscles, lower border of liver, kidneys, ribs and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
• Immobilization


  1. Adjust patient in comfortable position

  2. Explain breathing procedure with understanding

  3. Wait 1 to 2 seconds after suspension of respiration before taking exposure
• Radiographic Projections


  • Supine AP most commonly performed
  • KUB: Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder
  • Abdominal Series: PA Chest, AP Upright Abdomen, AP Supine Abdomen
• Exposure Techniques


  • AP: 85 @ 10
  • PA: 85 @ 9
  • AP/Lateral Decubitus: 85 @ 20
  • Lateral: 90 @ 20
  • Lateral/Dorsal Decubitus: 90 @ 25
• Essential Projections


  • AP Abdomen
  • AP Lateral Decubitus Abdomen
  • PA Abdomen
  • LAT Abdomen
  • LAT Dorsal Decubitus Abdomen
• AP Abdomen

  • Patient Position: Supine or upright
  • Central Ray: Upright - Horizontal, 2 inches above iliac crests; Supine - Perpendicular, at level of iliac crests
  • Collimation: 14x17 inch radiation field
• AP Abdomen Lateral Decubitus

  • Patient Position: Standing or recumbent in true lateral, Left lateral decubitus
  • Central Ray: Horizontal & perpendicular, to midpoint of IR
  • Collimation: 14x17 inch radiation field
• PA Abdomen


  • Patient Position: Upright
  • Central Ray: Horizontal, 2 inches above iliac crests
  • Collimation: 14x17 inch radiation field
• LAT Abdomen (RT or LT)

  • Patient Position: Lateral recumbent
  • Central Ray: Perpendicular, at crest or 2 inches above crest
  • Collimation: 14x17 radiation field
• LAT Abdomen (RT or LT Dorsal Decubitus)


  • Patient Position: Supine
  • Central Ray: Horizontal & perpendicular, 2 inches above iliac crests
  • Collimation: 14x17 inch radiation field