Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
05:07
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Are abdominal x-rays a reliable way to assess for constipation?
Susan Moylan1, Jennifer Armstrong, Dawn Diaz-Saldano
1Division of Urology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|August 24, 2010
Summary
Existing X-ray scoring tools for pediatric constipation lack reliability. Further research is needed to develop a dependable method for assessing constipation in children using abdominal X-rays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Clinical assessment tools
Background:
- Constipation is a common pediatric issue.
- Abdominal X-rays are frequently used in clinical practice for evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Validated tools for assessing constipation in children via X-ray are currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of three existing X-ray scoring tools (Barr, Leech, Blethyn) for evaluating constipation in children.
- To determine if these tools provide consistent results among multiple practitioners.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of abdominal X-rays from 80 children (ages 4-12).
- Independent assessment of X-rays by practitioners using Barr, Leech, and Blethyn scoring tools.
- Reliability analysis using weighted kappa (κ) scores and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
Main Results:
- Weighted κ scores ranged from 0.0454 to 0.4809, indicating marginal to good reproducibility.
- ICC values ranged from 0.02577 to 0.3313, indicating poor to good reliability.
- A trend towards good interrater reliability was observed with the Barr and Blethyn tools among experienced urology practitioners, but not with the Leech tool or less experienced raters.
Conclusions:
- Currently available X-ray scoring tools demonstrate inadequate reliability for assessing pediatric constipation across multiple examiners.
- Development of a new, more reliable X-ray assessment tool for pediatric constipation is necessary.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment 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,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:26Imaging 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...
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...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:24X-ray Imaging
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen (1845–1923) was experimenting with electrical current when he discovered that a mysterious and invisible "ray" would pass through his flesh but leave an outline of his bones on a screen coated with a metal compound. In 1895, Röntgen made the first durable record of the internal parts of a living human: an "X-ray" image (as it came to be called) of his wife’s hand. Scientists worldwide quickly began their own experiments with X-rays, and by 1900, X-ray was widely...
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
01:25Assessment 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.
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.