This document summarizes various radiological imaging modalities used to examine the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It discusses plain X-rays, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT scans, nuclear scans, MRI, and angiography. For each method, it provides a brief description of its use, benefits, and limitations. The document aims to outline the different options available to radiologists for investigating gastrointestinal problems and lesions.

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2. Radiology of GIT
Lecture By: Dr. Shaukat Ahmed Dar
Date: February 2, 2016
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3. GIT
It includes:
• oral cavity
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small bowel
• Large bowel
• Liver and gall bladder

4. Radiological imaging modalities
• Plain X-rays
• Ultrasound
• Fluoroscopy
• Ct-Scan
• Radionuclide scanning
• MRI
• Angiography

5. Plain X-rays
• Common investigation
• Cheap & easily available
• Particulrly use in cases of intestinal
obstruction, to detect pneumoperitonium,
foreign body localization and to R/o any other
lesion other than GIT.
• At least two projections are used.

6. Fluoroscopy
• Real time X ray imaging
• It includes sialography (salivary glands
evaluation).
• Upper G.I study -Barium swallow, meal
• Barium follow through, small bowel enema
• colonic enema
• These examinations particularly follow through
and barium enema have high radiation dose.

7. Ultrasound
• Most common investigation performed.
• 3.75 MHz probe is used for abd. Scan.
• Cheap and easily available & is operator
dependant.
• Used mainly in abdominal problems.
• Investigation of choice in children.

8. CT-Scan
• Not used in routine.
• High radiation dose.
• Clearly outlines site, size of G.I.T lesions.
• Helps in lesion characterization with I/V
contrast.
• Helpful in staging of bowel tumors.
• At same time other abdominal structures are
also evaluated.

9. Nuclear /Radionuclide Scaning
• Not used in routine.
• Has radiation dose less than CT scan
• Limited role in GIT bleed, meckel’s
diverticulum localization, esophageal transit
time, gastric emptying.
• Detection of APUD tumors.
• Also used in hepatic imaging.

10. MRI
• Very limited role.
• Preffered in pelvic scans in equivocal cases &
in children to avoid radiation.
• Helpful in cutaneous bowel fistula, mesenteric
lesions, detection of collections.
• Facility of multiplanner, multi sequential
imaging.

11. Angiography
• Very limited but important role
• in cases of vascular lesions of bowel e.g.,
angiodysplasia, bleeding, ischemia.
• GIT bleed -- Accurate detection and
endovascular treatment if needed.

29. Fold thickness: The folds are normally 1.8 mm thick in the jejunu
Fold thickness: The folds are normally 1.8 mm thick in the jejunum,
and 1.5 mm thick in the ileum. When the thickness exceeds 2.5 mm
in the jejunum or 2.0 in the ileum, it is considered a pathologic finding.

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