Peritonitis other diagnostic studies
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Peritonitis Main Page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Other Diagnostic Studies
MRI
- MRI is an emerging imaging modality for the diagnosis of suspected intra-abdominal abscesses.
- Abdominal abscesses demonstrate decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and homogeneous or heterogeneous increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images; abscesses are observed best on gadolinium-enhanced, T1-weighted, fat-suppressed images as well-defined fluid collections with rim enhancement.
- Limited availability and high cost, as well as the need for MRI-compatible patient support equipment and the length of the examination, currently limit its usefulness as a diagnostic tool in acute peritoneal infections, particularly for patients who are critically ill.
- Necessary if receiving peritoneal dialysis and a diagnosis of peritonitis is uncertain after a physical exam and an examination of the dialysis fluid.