Liver Anatomy The liver has a dome-shaped superior surface following the diaphragm contours, extending anteriorly to the inferior edge of the liver. The major surface landmark is a sagittal groove containing the ligamentum teres (formerly umbilical vein), within the falciform…
Anatomy Detailed anatomical knowledge of the large intestine is fundamental to accurate image interpretation. The large bowel comprises the colon, vermiform appendix, rectum and anus. The caecum, ascending and descending colon are covered anteriorly by visceral peritoneum, whereas approximately 50%…
The Duodenum Anatomy and Normal Appearances The duodenum forms the first segment of the small bowel (SB) and measures 20–30 cm in length. The first (superior) part contains the duodenal cap (bulb) that passes superiorly, posteriorly and laterally before turning inferiorly…
Anatomy The oesophagus meets the stomach at the gastro-oesophageal (or oesophagogastric) junction (OGJ). The OGJ is formed by the lower oesophageal sphincter and the crural diaphragm, creating a barrier against acidic stomach contents. The stomach is divided into the cardia,…
Anatomy and Function Anatomy ( Table 19.1 ) The oesophagus is a fibromuscular tube that connects the pharynx in the neck to the stomach in the abdomen, traversing the thorax via the superior and posterior mediastinum. It begins below the…
In this section on abdominal imaging, the imaging approach for investigation of pathological processes of the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel, peritoneum, liver, biliary system and pancreas are covered in their respective chapters. In this chapter, the relative merits…
The Normal Aorta The aorta is the main artery delivering oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to all parts of the body. In common with other arteries, it has three histologically distinct layers: an intima consisting of a thin endothelial…
Pulmonary Circulation The function of the pulmonary circulation is both to support the lung's metabolic activities and to engage in gas exchange. The pulmonary circulation should not be considered in isolation but, both anatomically and physiologically, as part of a…
Introduction Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a complex, heterogeneous and incompletely understood disease that is usually caused by underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). Worldwide, it is the single most common cause of death and its frequency is increasing. Although the…
Nonischaemic heart diseases (NIHDs) account for nearly half of the cardiac deaths. This group of diseases is extremely heterogeneous, including cardiomyopathies (CMPs), valvular problems, cardiac masses and pericardial disease. Modern noninvasive imaging techniques have increased diagnostic accuracy for all these…