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
  • 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

  • Offers exquisite detail of the surrounding soft tissues, osseous structures, and vasculature


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Disadvantages
  • Exposes patients to ionizing radiation

  • Purely a diagnostic modality; therapeutic intervention only may be performed with live colonoscopy

III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?

  • May be contraindicated in pregnant patients

IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?

  • No other specific alternative imaging modalities exist.

V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of hemorrhoids.

  • Not applicable

VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?

  • Not applicable