Multi-detector row CT of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain: contrast and protocol considerations.

This article discusses the critical protocol considerations in imaging patients with abdominal pain in the emergency department, specifically, the use of oral contrast, intravenous contrast, image postprocessing, and radiation dose. These considerations related to the use of computed tomography imaging of abdominal pain are reviewed in an evidence-based fashion. 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.