Normal findings
- • Solid organs homogeneous
- • No free fluid or free air
- • No bowel dilatation or wall thickening
Common abnormal findings
Acute appendicitis
- • Appendix >6 mm, wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding
- • Appendicolith
Diverticulitis
- • Sigmoid wall thickening
- • Pericolic fat stranding
- • Diverticula
Bowel obstruction
- • Transition point
- • Dilated proximal + collapsed distal bowel
Free fluid / blood
- • Hypodense fluid in Morison's pouch / pelvis
- • Active extravasation of contrast
Interpretation tips
- • IV contrast for solid organs / vessels
- • Oral contrast for bowel pathology
Clinical correlation
- • Trauma + free fluid → consider FAST + surgical consult
- • Diverticulitis with abscess >4 cm → drainage
Common mistakes
- • Missing internal hernias as cause of SBO
- • Mistaking colitis for cancer without follow-up colonoscopy
Educational support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment.
