Preliminary Diagnosis: Nasogastric tube placement
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
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Plain radiography
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis.
Advantages
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Relatively inexpensive and fast imaging modalities
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Highly portable imaging modalities.
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Highly sensitive and specific in localizing nasogastric tubes
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Expose patients to minimal ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
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May be less specific in localizing the distal tip of the nasogastric tube in patients with complicated anatomy, ie, postsurgical
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist. Some institutions may require consent for pregnant patients.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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CT imaging without contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis.
CT imaging without contrast
Advantages
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May be helpful in localizing and identifying the nasogastric tube placement in patients with complex anatomy
Disadvantages
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Exposes patients to ionizing radiation
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More expensive than plain films
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Less portable
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
CT imaging without contrast
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May be contraindicated in pregnant patients.
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