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Colonic Emergencies

Picture of Vincent Mellnick, MD Vincent Mellnick, MD : June 16, 2026

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0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Cost: Free

Expires: 12/31/2027

Course Overview

Presented by Vincent Mellnick, MD at Practical Radiology 2025. The colon is a common site of pathology which may cause presentation to the emergency department. This includes inflammation, infection, ischemia, obstruction, perforation, and hemorrhage. This talk will discuss common (and some uncommon) conditions causing these presentations in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, with emphasis on CT findings.

Learning Objectives

Utilize CT to identify and characterize acute conditions of the colon and rectum
Create an appropriate differential diagnosis based on the clinical history, anatomic location and imaging findings when encountering colonic wall thickening
Differentiate conditions which require urgent surgical consultation vs. conservative management

For New Users

If you haven't accessed the vRad Radiology Education platform before, you will be prompted to complete a one-time registration process which allows you to access this course, and all other free CME courses vRad offers.

Audience and Claiming Credit

This course has been designed for radiologists. A certificate awarding credit will be issued to participants who have reviewed the entire presentation and correctly answered the post-test question.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Minnesota Medical Association and vRad Radiology Education. The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Minnesota Medical Association designated this online course review for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.