There are several mnemonics to remember the causes of high density lesions in the gastrointestinal tract on CT:
- CHIPES
- COINS
- PIG BEACH
Mnemonics
CHIPES
- C: chloral hydrate/cocaine packets
- H: heavy metals
- I: iodinated compounds, e.g. contrast media, iron
- P: phenothiazines
- E: enteric-coated pills
- S: solvents e.g. carbon tetrachloride
COINS
- C: chloral hydrate/cocaine packets
- O: opiate packets
- I: iron and heavy metals
- N: neuroleptic agents
- S: sustained release/enteric coated pills
PIG BEACH
- P: phenothiazines
- I: iodinated compounds, e.g. contrast media
- G/B: gummy bears (due to an iodinated food dye 2)
- E: enteric-coated pills
- A: amiodarone
- C: chloral hydrate/cocaine packets
- H: heavy metals