Imaging for jaundiced patient?
Summary:
Abdominal pain with 1 of the following: fever, history of biliary surgery or known cholelithiasis = US abdomen (then CT ABD/PEL with contrast or MR Abdomen with contrast with MRCP)
Painless with 1 of the following: weight loss, fatigue, anorexia or symptoms greater than 3 months = CT ABD/PEL with arterial and portal venous contrast, US abdomen or MR Abdomen with contrast with MRCP)
Clinical and lab exam makes obstruction unlikely = US abdomen (then MR Abdomen with contrast with MRCP, if needed)
Educational purposes for licensed providers.
Note to Patients:
Radiology is a very large and ever changing field and this post is to help your provider. When combined with a thorough history and physical exam, this information can be very useful. Your provider is best suited to answer specific questions regarding this post.
A provider is usually a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.
Of course, this is not a substitute for medical care.
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