Abdominal x-ray
Abdominal x-ray is the x-ray of the abdomen a seldom used examination in the evaluation of abdominal disorders. It may be performed with oral contrast (a sort of contrast porridge one eats) or without.
Signs without contrast
Sign | Description | Condition |
---|---|---|
Pneumoperitoneum | Air under the diaphragm | Air inside the abdominal cavity, usually due to bowel or ulcer perforation |
Air-fluid levels | Horizontal air-fluid levels in the small or large intestine | Ileus |
Pneumobilia | Air inside the biliary tree | Biliary-enteric fistula |
Coffee bean sign | Dilated loop of twisted bowel which resembles coffee bean | Sigmoid volvulus |
Pneumoatosis intestinalis | Air inside the intestinal wall | Necrotising enterocolitis (premature infants) |
Signs with contrast
Sign | Contrast | Description | Condition |
---|---|---|---|
– | Barium and air enema | Outpouchings of the colonic wall | Diverticulosis |
Apple-core sign | Barium and air enema | Apple core-like lesion | Colon cancer |