Colonic pseudo-obstruction: value of prone lateral view of the rectum.
BACKGROUND
Collection of fluid within the rectum of patients with gas-distended bowel can simulate as obstructive lesion.


METHODS
In 12 patients with suspected distal colonic obstruction on plain radiographs, we obtained 2 additional films comprising a right lateral decubitus view of the abdomen followed by a prone lateral view of the pelvis.


RESULTS
Significant gaseous distension of the rectum was achieved in 75% of the 8 patients with pseudo-obstruction. Gaseous filling of the rectum did not occur in any patient with a structural obstructive lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
In the appropriate clinical setting this approach could exclude the presence of obstruction and avoid unnecessary barium enemas in the majority of patients with colonic pseudo-obstruction.
Low
V H
VH
Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003112:Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016684:Prone Position / Q000502:physiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*