Abdominal mass
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| This infant has massive hepatomegaly due to metastatic neuroblastoma. Intra-abdominal pressure is partially relieved by a silastic pouch. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology |
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Abdominal mass Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Abdominal mass On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Abdominal mass |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: John Fani Srour, M.D.
X Ray
- KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder) x-rays could possibly reveal free intraperitoneal air, constipation or obstruction.
MRI and CT
- Abdominal CT with oral IV contrast will evaluate for bowel pathology, abscess, and hepatosplenomegaly
Other Diagnostic Studies
- Laparoscopy of the intra-abdominal cavity allows for direct visualization
- Colonoscopy helps in the diagnosis of bowel pathology
- Paracentesis with fluid evaluation.
Treatment
- Immediately treat life-threatening causes (such as abdominal aortic aneurysms).
- Organomegaly typically resolves once the underlying etiology is treated.
Acute Pharmacotherapies
- Ogilvie's syndrome responds to decompression by IV neostigmine or by a rectal tube
- Constipation is usually treated with laxatives, increased dietary fiber and fluids, enemas.
- Manual disimpaction is reserved for fecal impaction.
- Stop use of offending medications.
- Masses caused by infections require antibiotics (and possible surgery)
Surgery and Device Based Therapy
- Several benign and malignant masses require surgical intervention
- Hirschsprung's disease often requires surgery.
References
Additional Resources
- MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia: Abdominal mass - An informative primer on abdominal masses and their common causes.