EVALUATION OF ABDOMINAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ATTENDING SOKOTO STATE ADVANCE MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is a vital diagnostic imaging modality used for the assessment of various abdominal conditions due to its high spatial resolution, speed, and accuracy. With advances such as multidetector CT, the ability to detect, localize, and characterize abdominal pathologies has significantly improved. Despite its diagnostic value, limited research has been done in Sokoto to evaluate CT abdominal findings and their relationship with demographic factors and clinical indications. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Radiology Unit of SSAMDC, Sokoto. Data were collected from 270 adult patients who underwent abdominal CT scans between January 2024 and January 2025 using a data capture sheet. Patient demographics, clinical indications, and CT findings were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and results were presented using descriptive statistics, tables, and charts. Results: Out of 270 patients, 160 (59.3%) were males and 110 (40.6%) females, with the highest proportion (31.8%) within the 55–69-year age group. Hepatobiliary diseases were the most common CT findings (29.3%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (16.7%), miscellaneous masses and cysts (12.6%), and renal diseases (7.4%). Abdominal disorders (23.0%) and hepatobiliary indications (21.1%) were the most frequent clinical indications. Gender analysis showed hepatobiliary, renal, and gastrointestinal findings were more common in males, while abdominal and gynecological disorders predominated in females. Conclusion: Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal diseases are the most prevalent abdominal CT findings, with a higher occurrence among males and older adults. CT remains an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of abdominal conditions due to its accuracy and broad diagnostic capability. Keywords: Abdominal CT, Hepatobiliary diseases, Gastrointestinal disorders, Gender distribution, Sokoto state, Diagnostic imaging.