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Imaging of Alimentary Tract Perforation pp 1–7Cite as

Diagnostic Approach to Alimentary Tract Perforations

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Abstract

Alimentary tract perforations represent an emergency and life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment. The clinical diagnosis, particularly in the early stage, is difficult as the symptoms may be variable and nonspecific. The imaging plays an important role to determine the diagnosis and ensure an appropriate treatment to these patients. In this chapter, the diagnostic approach to alimentary tract perforations is discussed focusing on each of the following imaging methods: plain abdominal X-ray, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR). Plain abdominal X-ray still remains the most frequently requested imaging examination in the emergency department; the US and CT traditionally have been the dominant cross-sectional imaging modalities for evaluating acute thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic conditions; MR can be useful in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in specific patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia 2, Naples, 80138, Italy

    Francesca Iacobellis MD, Daniela Berritto & Roberto Grassi

Authors
  1. Francesca Iacobellis MD
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  2. Daniela Berritto
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  3. Roberto Grassi
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Correspondence to Francesca Iacobellis MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, “A. Cardarelli” Hospital, Naples, Italy

    Luigia Romano

  2. Dept Radiology, “A. Cardarelli” Hospital, Naples, Italy

    Antonio Pinto

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Iacobellis, F., Berritto, D., Grassi, R. (2015). Diagnostic Approach to Alimentary Tract Perforations. In: Romano, L., Pinto, A. (eds) Imaging of Alimentary Tract Perforation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08192-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08192-2_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-08191-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-08192-2

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