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Preliminary Diagnosis: Hepatitis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
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Ultrasound (US)
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of hepatitis.
Advantages
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Real-time examination
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Does not use ionizing radiation
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Relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages
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No specific findings in acute hepatitis
Related Content -
Findings are variable depending on the different etiologic factors that cause hepatic inflammation and stage of liver insult (most common findings are hepatomegaly and the “starry night liver” pattern)
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Limited evaluation in obese patients
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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No significant contraindications exist.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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MRI
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CT
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of hepatitis.
MRI
Advantages
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May confirm and further evaluate focal lesions or diffuse alterations of the liver discovered at a prior US examination
Disadvantages
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Expensive
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Requires significant patient cooperation to minimize motion artifact
CT
Advantages
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May confirm and further evaluate focal lesions or diffuse alterations of the liver discovered at a prior US examination
Disadvantages
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Exposure to ionizing radiation
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
MRI
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Contraindicated in patients with non-MR compatible metallic (ferromagnetic) hardware or foreign bodies, uncooperative or claustrophobic
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Need to assess undermining clinical conditions before administration of IV contrast, including allergies and renal function.
MRI/CT
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Need to assess undermining clinical conditions before administration of IV contrast, including allergies and renal function
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