Abdominal discomfort has a way of becoming background noise, until one day, it becomes suddenly is impossible to ignore.
Many people live for months (or years) with intermittent bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained abdominal pain. During the holidays, these symptoms are often brushed aside, but once routines return and digestive issues worsen, patients are left wondering whether something was missed.
For many, the answer may already be in a prior CT or MRI of the abdomen, and a radiology second opinion from a body imaging subspecialized radiologist can help get you the on the right path towards solving these ongoing issues.
Why Digestive Symptoms Often Worsen After the Holidays
Changes in diet, alcohol intake, hydration, stress, and sleep can trigger inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal system. These changes don’t necessarily cause disease, but they often expose underlying conditions that were already present.
This is why January and February are peak months for patients revisiting imaging tied to:
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Recurrent diverticulitis
- Bowel inflammation
- Unclear or worsening GI symptoms
GI Conditions Commonly Misunderstood on Abdominal Imaging
Diverticulitis and Diverticular Disease
CT scans are the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis, yet reports often fail to clearly communicate:
- Whether inflammation is active or chronic
- The severity of disease
- Whether findings explain current symptoms
Some patients are overtreated with antibiotics or repeated scans, while others are told “everything looks fine” despite ongoing pain. A second opinion from an abdominal imaging specialist can clarify the true picture.
Bowel Wall Thickening and Inflammation
Mild or segmental bowel wall thickening is frequently labeled as “nonspecific,” leaving patients without answers. However, these findings may correlate with:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ischemic changes
- Infectious or post-inflammatory conditions
Subspecialty review from a body imaging radiologist can determine whether these findings warrant GI follow-up or reassurance.
Appendiceal and Right-Lower-Quadrant Findings
Not all appendiceal abnormalities mean appendicitis, but subtle findings can be misinterpreted or minimized, especially in non-emergency settings.
Second opinions from body imaging subspecialized radiologists help distinguish:
- Normal variants
- Chronic changes
- Early or resolving inflammation
Incidental GI Findings That Deserve Clarity
Terms like “incidental,” “likely benign,” or “clinical correlation recommended” are common in GI imaging reports. Unfortunately, they often create more confusion than clarity.
Patients deserve to know:
- What matters
- What doesn’t
- What actually explains their symptoms
ER CT Scans for Abdominal Pain: Fast Doesn’t Mean Complete
Emergency room CT scans are designed to rule out life-threatening conditions quickly. They are not optimized for nuanced interpretation of chronic GI disease.
As a result:
- Subtle inflammatory findings may be underemphasized
- Incidental findings are poorly explained
- Patients leave without a clear path forward
A radiology second opinion from an expert radiologist who specializes in body imaging exams allows for a more thoughtful review, without time pressure.
When “Normal” Imaging Still Doesn’t Feel Right
One of the most frustrating experiences for GI patients is being told imaging is normal while symptoms persist. In reality, interpretation depends heavily on:
- Radiologist expertise
- Time spent reviewing the exam
- Familiarity with GI-specific pathology
- A comprehensive understanding of the patient's symptoms and history
A second opinion means an expert radiologist will take their time to reinterpret your exam in context.
How MDView Helps GI Patients Move Forward
MDView connects patients with independent board-certified body imaging radiologists who specialize in abdominal and gastrointestinal imaging.
With a second opinion report via MDView, patients receive:
- An expert second opinion
- Clear explanations of GI findings
- Confidence to pursue or avoid further testing
If digestive symptoms are disrupting your new year, it may be time to revisit that scan with a specialist who knows what to look for.
To get started, upload your exam's images to MDView, complete the questionnaire, and connect with an expert radiologist who will provide you with a second opinion report, typically within 72-hours or less. Don't have your exam? No problem! The MDView team can get your exam on your behalf at no cost to you! Most hospitals and imaging centers send exams to MDView electronically, typically within 2 business days or less!
Peace of mind is just a few clicks away. Visit https://app.mdview.com to get answers today!