Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?
A. Abdominal x-ray
B. Barium swallow
C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Correct Answer: D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
The EGD can visualize the entire upper GI tract as well as allow for tissue specimens and electrocautery if needed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that includes visualization of the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum. It is one of the most common procedures that a gastroenterologist performs.
Option A: Abdominal x-ray uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the abdominal cavity. It is used to evaluate the stomach, liver, intestines, and spleen and may be used to help diagnose unexplained pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Option B: The barium swallow could locate a gastric ulcer. The barium swallow study, also known as a barium esophagogram or esophagram, is a contrast-enhanced radiographic study commonly used to assess structural characteristics of the entire esophagus. It may be used for the diagnosis of a wide range of pathologies including esophageal motility disorders, strictures, and perforations.
Option C: A CT scan isn’t useful in the diagnosis of an ulcer. The CT scan is essentially an X-ray study, where a series of rays are rotated around a specified body part, and computer-generated cross-sectional images are produced. The advantage of these tomographic images compared to conventional X-rays is that they contain detailed information of a specified area in cross-section, eliminating the superimposition of images, which provides a tremendous advantage over plain films.
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