Computed tomography of the abdomen

In the last 7 years the authors have used combined body computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound for sectional imaging of the abdomen. Ultrasonography has been superior for imaging structures that are not obscured by gas, fat, or bone. CT has been superior for imaging the deeper portions of the abdomen and for providing information on vascularity. Textural detail is generally better with sonography, and of course there is no ionizing radiation. Overall the thin, small patient is better imaged with ultrasound, whereas larger, more obese patients are better imaged with CT. This combined sectional imaging approach has reduced the need for more invasive procedures, such an angiography, at the authors' institution. Based on the authors' experience, a summary of CT applications in the abdomen is discussed in this paper