Another paradigm shift that is taking place is the switch to reading studies on monitors rather than on hard copy film. Given economic constraints, reading off film is inherently unsafe as in an effort to cut costs, the minimum possible number of window settings is typically presented to the radiologist. Soft copy review has opened up the Pandora's Box (i.e. the abdomen/pelvis) to radiologists throughout the country. When I began residency training in the US in the early 90s I was amazed at the amount of mesenteric pathology that was revealed to me just by virtue of having the luxury of being able to window and level to my heart's desire. One of the shortcomings of radiologic practice and training in India at the time was the lack of emphasis on the CT imaging of mesenteric 6disease. Although I learned a great deal during my residency training in New Delhi, I credit my US training with giving me the ability to spot tiny amounts of mesenteric fluid and air and the subtlest of ‘fat stranding’ and to use these findings as a clue/pointer to make the actual diagnosis. It is these signs/findings that we have attempted to highlight in this book.

The imaging equipment and workstations are now in place, now it is up to us as radiologists to train ourselves in the art and science of emergency abdominal imaging to meet the challenges that our patients present to us. This book is written with the goal of increasing the awareness of our community to our potential as radiologists in effecting enhanced patient care. It represents the cumulative results of three years of emergency imaging and a lot of hard work by our team at Teleradiology Solutions, spearheaded by Dr Jagdish Singh. We hope you enjoy it. If even a single patient benefits from your perusal of it, our purpose is fulfilled.