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Colonic pseudo-obstruction: Value of prone lateral view of the rectum

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Abstract

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.

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Author notes

  1. V. H. S. Low

    Present address: Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Erwin Road, Box 3808, 27710, Durham, NC, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Verdun Street, 6009, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia

    V. H. S. Low

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  1. V. H. S. Low
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Low, V.H.S. Colonic pseudo-obstruction: Value of prone lateral view of the rectum. Abdom Imaging 20, 531–533 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01256706

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01256706

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