Preliminary Diagnosis: Hemorrhoids
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
CT colonography; however, this is usually diagnosed by proctoscopy or physical examination
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of hemorrhoids.
Advantages
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Noninvasive method that allows one the opportunity to detail, characterize, and diagnose prominent and tortuous vascular filling defects within the distal large bowel/rectum consistent with hemorrhoids
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Offers exquisite detail of the surrounding soft tissues, osseous structures, and vasculature
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Disadvantages
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Exposes patients to ionizing radiation
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Purely a diagnostic modality; therapeutic intervention only may be performed with live colonoscopy
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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May be contraindicated in pregnant patients
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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No other specific alternative imaging modalities exist.
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of hemorrhoids.
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Not applicable
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
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Not applicable
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