Dinushi S. Perera MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hima Prabhakar MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cancer patients are at increased risk for complications of the abdomen, and given the aging population, more patients with known or unknown malignancy are presenting with acute symptoms. Imaging these patients is often a challenge to the radiologist due to complex pathology. The purpose of this exhibit is to review etiologies for acute abdominal conditions in cancer patients.

Pathophysiology: Most abdominal conditions arise from direct effects of the primary tumor and metastases, including invasion of nearby structures, occlusion of vessels, infiltration of abdominal viscera, and tumor hemorrhage. Cases of acute abdominal conditions in the oncologic population at our institution will be presented using a symptoms based approach: 1. Severe abdominal pain - thrombosis of abdominal vessels, infarction of abdominal viscera, bowel perforation 2. Abdominal distention - large volume malignant ascites, hemoperitoneum, bowel obstruction 3. Back pain - hydronephrosis secondary to extrinsic compression of the ureter, pathologic fracture 3. Neurologic symptoms - spinal mass, pelvic mass compressing the sciatic nerve

When a cancer patient presents with acute abdominal symptoms, knowledge of potential complications related to malignancy will allow the radiologist to make a timely diagnosis and facilitate prompt intervention.

Perera, D, Prabhakar, H, The Acutely Presenting Oncologic Patient: Abdominal Complications.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13013779.html