Nazia Azeem.
Usefulness of plain radiograph comparing with advance imaging in non-traumatic acute abdominal emergencies in a limited resource private set up.
Pak J Radiol Jan ;29(2):95-101.

OBJECTIVES: To find out the usefulness of plain radiograph comparing with advance imaging in non-traumatic acute abdominal emergencies in a limited resource private set up. STUDY DESIGN : Cross sectional study STUDY PLACE AND DURATION: Emergency Department in collaboration of Department of Radiology, Sir Syed Hospital Karachi, a private tertiary care center. Six months from 1 st August 2017 to 31 st January 2018. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Total 204 patients presenting in ER department with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain were enrolled in the study referred to the Radiology department for imaging were recorded on proforma. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Patients demographic data, precipitating symptoms and diagnostic findings were presented as percentages. RESULTS: Plain x-ray correctly detected bowel obstruction 97.9% followed by gastroenteritis 88.2%, hernia 80%, peritonitis 75%, acute pancreatitis 55.6%, acute cholecystitis 50%, renal calculus 44.4%, ureteral calculus 36.4% and acute appendicitis 26.3%, but could not suspect about gynecological issues. Plain x-ray correctly diagnosed 151 (74.02%), ultrasound 189 (92.65%) and CT 201 (98.5%). CONCLUSION: Abdominal radiography & ultrasonography along with precipitating factors and pathology lab findings still useful as a first imaging examination to evaluate abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED) and reduces rate of unnecessary hospitalization.

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