Category Gastrointestinal Imaging

Sarcoidosis

KEY FACTS Terminology Relatively common, chronic, multisystem disease of unknown origin characterized by presence of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas Imaging Contrast-enhanced CT of chest and abdomen is most efficient imaging study Can affect almost every organ Most common site of involvement…

HIV/AIDS

KEY FACTS Terminology Abdominal opportunistic infections and neoplasms resulting from HIV/AIDS-related immunodeficiency Imaging Liver and spleen Small hypodense nodules may be microabscesses Larger hypodense lesions might be infectious, but AIDS-related lymphoma should be considered Pneumocystis may result in tiny calcifications…

Jaundice

Overview Jaundice (icterus) is a condition characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin and mucus membranes resulting from deposition of bilirubin, a pigmented metabolite of heme. Jaundice is most commonly due to disorders of the liver or bile ducts, but…

Constipation

Clinical Classification of Functional Constipation Category Features Physiologic and Imaging Test Results Normal-transit constipation Incomplete evacuation; abdominal pain may be present but not predominant feature Normal; may show excessive stool in colon Slow-transit constipation Infrequent stools (e.g., ≤ 1/week), lack…

Diarrhea

Overview Diarrhea is a symptom experienced by nearly everyone, generally considered an increase in the volume, fluidity, &/or frequency of stools. Most episodes are transient and self-limited or self-treated with nonprescription medications. However, diarrhea may be persistent or complicated by…