X-ray, abdominal

Diabetes insipidus, prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal distension, to dispel gas interfering with abdominal x-ray examination... 

Intestinal obstruction may be manifested as meconium ileus, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, or intussusception on abdominal x-ray or computed tomography scan. Rectal prolapse may be noted on physical exam. 

Endoscopic approaches are typically used and may include colonoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy, or possibly upper GI endoscopy in patients with suspected CD. Endoscopy is useful for determining the disease distribution, pattern and depth of inflammation, and to obtain mucosal biopsy specimens. Supplemental information from imaging procedures, such as computed tomography (CT), abdominal x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, or intestinal barium studies may provide evidence of complications such as obstruction, abscess, perforation, or colonic dilation.3... 

Imaging Abdominal x-ray (-) obstruction, perforation, or colonic dilation... 

KUB An upright abdominal x-ray shows dilated loops of small bowel and free air under the diaphragm. 

FIGURE 1.6 Abdominal X-ray showing the apparatus consisting of two nitric oxide sensors, a 4-channel pH catheter, and a Teflon nasogastric tube. (Reprinted with permission from the American Gastroenterological Association [82].)... 

Mrs D has recently been admitted with an episode of acute severe ulcerative colitis. This is her third flare this year. This time she has a 5-day history of bloody diarrhoea with abdominal pain. On average she is opening her bowels seven times a day. She is currently taking mesalazine 800 mg three times daily and prednisolone 20 mg daily. Mrs D also has an elevated temperature of 38°C and a pulse rate of 92 bpm. She is due to have an abdominal X-ray and a stool culture. 

An 82-year-old woman was scheduled for gastrectomy with an epidural anesthetic (71). She had previously had many acupuncture treatments with a Japanese technique (okibari), in which small needles are left in situ. Her preoperative chest and abdominal X-rays showed hundreds of needles around the vertebrae. The anesthesiologists feared that an epidural anesthetic might lead to spinal cord injury or pneumothorax, and general anesthesia was chosen instead. 

Phenothiazines and metabolites have resulted in false positive results for tricyclic antidepressants using various screening methods. Unabsorbed phenothia-zine may be radiopaque on abdominal X-ray. Use caution, as the absence of radiographic findings does not rule out ingestion. 

Abdominal x-rays and diagnosis Mixed stones much easier to see on plain film secondary to calcifications, comprising approximately 10 percent of gallstones. 

V. Abdominal x-rays. Abdominal x-rays may reveal radiopaque tablets, dmg-filled... 

IV. Diagnosis is based on a history of ingestion and findings of sedation, small pupils, hypotension, and QT interval prolongation. Dystonias in children should always suggest the possibility of antipsychotic exposure, often as a result of intentional administration by parents. Phenothiazines are occasionally visible on plain abdominal x-rays (see Table 1-35, p 46). 

B. Other useful laboratory studies include electrolytes, glucose, BUN, creatinine, CPK, arterial blood gases or oximetry, abdominal x-ray (to look for radiopaque pills), and chest x-ray. 

IV. Diagnosis is usually based on a history of exposure combined with a typical pattern of multisystemic signs and symptoms. Suspect acute arsenic poisoning in a patient with abrupt onset of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and hypotension, partiouiariy when followed by an evolving pattern of delayed cardiao dysfunction, panoytopenia, and peripheral neuropathy. Metabolic acidosis and eievated CPK may occur eariy in the course of severe cases. Some arsenic compounds, partiouiariy those of iower solubility, are radiopaque and may be visible on a plain abdominal x-ray. 

IV. Diagnosis is based on a history of exposure and the clinical presentation of mucous membrane irritation, CNS depression, arrhythmias, and hepatic necrosis. Carbon tetrachloride is radiopaque and may be visible on abdominal x-ray after acute ingestion. 

E. Other tests. Nonspecific laboratory findings that support the diagnosis of lead poisoning include anemia (normocytic or microcytic), and basophilic stippling of erythrocytes, a useful but insensitive clue. Acute high-dose exposure may sometimes be associated with transient azotemia (elevated BUN and serum creatinine) and mild to moderate elevation in serum transaminases. Recently ingested lead paint, glazes, chips, or solid lead objects may be visible on abdominal x-rays. CT or MRI of the brain often reveals cerebral edema in patients with lead encephalopathy. Because iron deficiency increases lead absorption, iron status should be evaluated. 

IV. Diagnosis is usually based on a history of ingestion, because clinical manifestations are fairly nonspecific. Hypothermia and deep coma may cause the patient to appear dead thus, careful evaluation should precede the diagnosis of brain death. Chloral hydrate is radiopaque and may be visible on plain abdominal x-rays. 

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