[Imaging in acute abdominal syndromes]

Imaging studies play an increasing role in patients with an acute abdomen. Guided by main symptoms, clinical findings and examination, imaging studies can confirm or change the diagnosis and the severity of the disease, guide the medical or surgical therapeutic. The plain film of the abdomen, despite its overall low sensibility and specificity, remains the current first-line radiological test in suspected bowel obstruction and detection of free air. The ultrasound and computed tomography, with a high sensibility and specificity, are more often used in first-line or after the plain film.