Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 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 value of the abdominal radiograph in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders

Marloes E J Bongers1, Wieger P Voskuijl, Rick R van Rijn

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mbongers@uva.amc.nl

European Journal of Radiology
|April 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal X-rays have limited value in diagnosing childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders like constipation and incontinence. This review evaluates methods for assessing fecal loading on radiographs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are prevalent in children.
  • Symptoms range from mild abdominal pain to severe fecal impaction and incontinence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and assess the utility of abdominal radiography in diagnosing pediatric FGIDs.
  • Evaluate methods for determining fecal loading using radiographs, with or without markers.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on radiographic assessment of fecal loading.
  • Analysis of diagnostic value in functional abdominal pain, constipation, and incontinence.

Main Results:

  • Abdominal radiography shows limited effectiveness in the diagnostic work-up of pediatric FGIDs.
  • Radiographic assessment of fecal loading has questionable diagnostic value.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal X-rays are not a highly valuable tool for diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders in children.
  • Further research may be needed to establish reliable diagnostic imaging methods.

More Related Videos

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 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.
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...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data01:17

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...