Imaging the bariatric patient

Abstract

Acquiring diagnostic medical images in bariatric patients may be challenging. Although adjustments can be made to currently available imaging equipment to accommodate larger patients, these adjustments come at an increased risk to the patient, with increasing doses of radiation, and risks to technologists who have to move, adjust, and properly position the patient. Understanding the limitations of the various studies, properly deciding on which imaging modality to use, and adjusting imaging protocols can help address many issues encountered when imaging the bariatric patient.