Porcel A, Arrivé L, Mehdi M, Monnier-Cholley L, Ayadi K, Tubiana J M
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris.
Ann Radiol (Paris). 1996;39(1):15-36.
Infectious disease is a common cause of acute abdomen. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination and basic laboratory tests. However, medical imaging routinely performed according to the clinical findings is frequently useful. Hepatic and splenic abscesses are correctly demonstrated by ultrasonography and computed tomography. Ultrasonography is the reference standard for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. The US examination is also performed for the diagnosis of appendicitis and its complications. Ultrasonography and barium enerna are commonly performed for the evaluation of signoid diverticulitis. Computed tomography is the reference standard to determine medical or surgical procedures.
