Radiology

Question 1

Abdominal Plain Film Pearls from Leibig

Answer 1

• Obtain serial abdominal films. If there is less gas in the colon, and more gas in the SB, this is concerning for SBO.
• If there is “stepping” in the air-fluid levels > SBO
• If the distribution of air does not move when patient is put in a different position > SBO
• “string of pearls” > SBO
• pronating a patient can move the air into the rectum, and help evacuate air
• Colon runs along the properitoneal fat line, should be found at the hepatic and splenic flexures
• Normal SB < 3cm. If > 4cm, concern for SBO vs. Ileus