myRadiologist

Symptom

> 3 days of pain/symptoms. Suspected postoperative abscess.

ConsiderationsRichard Wasley, MD

Because of the chronicity of the symptoms and possibility of walled off abscess/collection, oral contrast useful in CT evaluation.

CT generally better for suspected perforation or abscess as ultrasound and MR limited for detection of gas. But in pregnant patient, consider ultrasound or MRI first before CT.

§Suggested imagingIn listed order

  1. 01CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrastCPT 74177
  2. 02CT abdomen and pelvis without IV or oral contrastCPT 74176
  3. 03MRI abdomen with gadoliniumCPT 74183
  4. 04CT abdomen and pelvis with IV and oral contrastCPT 74177
  5. 05US abdomen complete studyCPT 76700