Decoding Abdominal X-Ray Signs

Learn how to read abdominal x rays

Rigler Sign 

– Description: Gas outlining both sides of the bowel wall. – Diagnosis: Pneumoperitoneum.

Thumbprinting Sign

Description: Large bowel wall thickening. Diagnosis: IBD, Colitis, Diverticulitis, or Typhlitis.

Coffee Bean Sign

– Description: Closed-loop of the sigmoid distends. – Diagnosis: Sigmoid Volvulus.

Double Bubble Sign

– Description: Dilatation of the stomach and duodenum. – Diagnosis: Duodenal Atresia.

Apple Core Sign

– Description: Annular constriction of the bowel. – Diagnosis: Colorectal Carcinoma.

Lead Pipe Sign

– Description: Loss of haustral marking in the colon. – Diagnosis: Ulcerative Colitis.

Crescent Sign

– Description: Free air under the diaphragms. – Diagnosis: Pneumoperitoneum.

Staghorn Sign

– Description: Renal calculi in a staghorn shape within the renal pelvis and calyces. – Diagnosis: Staghorn Calculi.

String of Pearls Sign

– Description: Row of small gas bubbles trapped between valvulae conniventes. – Diagnosis: Small Bowel Obstruction.

Colon Cut Off Sign

– Description: Proximal colon distension with abrupt termination at the splenic flexure. – Diagnosis: Acute Pancreatitis.