Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
05:50

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

The abdominal radiographic series in children with suspected bowel obstruction--should the second view be abandoned?

Ursula M Hughes1, Karen E Thomas, Bruce Shuckett

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. hughes_u@yahoo.com

Pediatric Radiology
|July 24, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Adding a second radiograph view to supine abdominal X-rays offers limited improvement in diagnosing paediatric bowel obstruction. This second view should be reserved for cases with persistent diagnostic uncertainty.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Pediatric Imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Paediatric bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency.
  • Accurate diagnosis relies heavily on radiographic interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy improvement of adding a second radiograph view to supine abdominal X-rays for paediatric bowel obstruction.
  • To assess the impact of an additional horizontal beam view on diagnostic performance.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 72 paediatric patient abdominal radiographs.
  • Evaluation by 22 independent observers (radiologists, surgeons, emergency physicians).
  • Comparison of diagnostic accuracy using supine view alone versus supine plus a second view (upright or decubitus).

Main Results:

  • Supine view alone: sensitivity 66%, specificity 72%, accuracy 70%.
  • With a second view: sensitivity 78%, specificity 75%, accuracy 76%.
  • Mean accuracy increase of 6% with no significant difference across observer groups.

Conclusions:

  • The routine addition of a second radiograph view provides limited diagnostic accuracy improvement for paediatric bowel obstruction.
  • Consideration of a second view should be limited to selected cases with persistent diagnostic uncertainty.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...