Zahraa Al-Turaihi;
Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital
Ryan Smith;
Jefferson Einstein Hospital
Cheryl Kirby;
Jefferson Einstein Hospital
Background
The stomach can be difficult to assess on CT, particularly when under-distended and without oral contrast. When the stomach is under-distended, normal gastric folds can be misinterpreted as pathology and conversely, pathologic wall thickening or masses can be misread as nondistended normal gastric folds. This educational exhibit aims to highlight gastric and extra-gastric findings on CT that can aid radiologists in identifying gastric pathology even in an under-distended stomach.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Understand gastric anatomy and normal appearance of the stomach on CT. Recognize concerning findings in the stomach, even when under-distended, that indicate pathology. Promote routine use of coronal and sagittal reformatted images in addition to axial images when evaluating the stomach. Identify findings external to the stomach that may prompt further investigation of the stomach.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
CT imaging of the abdomen focusing on stomach pathology. Gastric wall thickening/masses, irregular enhancement, ulceration, perforation, lymphadenopathy, varices, and inflammatory changes.
Conclusion
We hope that this educational exhibit will show viewers what to systematically and comprehensively look for when assessing the stomach on CT to ensure pathologies are identified, which will ultimately improve patient care.
