Conventional radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction and strangulation.
Ninety-six patients, 45 men and 51 women (mean age 39 years, range 13- 90 years), with clinically acute abdomen were examined by conventional abdominal radiography and ultrasonography during a period of one year. Ultrasonography was performed with a linear transducer, which permitted study of morphology and motility of small bowel loops: distention, paralysis, intramural thickening, and extraluminal fluid. Nineteen cases of mechanical obstruction (9 simple and 10 of strangulation type) were observed. In the strangulation group ultrasonographic findings were positive in 91% whereas conventional radiography solely was positive in 30%. In the simple obstruction, 89% and 78%, respectively, were correctly diagnosed by the 2 techniques. Ultrasonography is recommended as a routine examination beside conventional abdominal films in acute abdomen.
Czechowski
J
J
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography