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Related Concept Videos

X-ray Imaging01:24

X-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...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological 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...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
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 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.
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 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

Abdominal pain and two x-rays: spot the difference.

Z Rajković1, D Papeš, S Altarac

  • 1Zabok General Hospital, Croatia.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|March 7, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Air in the right upper quadrant on abdominal x-rays can indicate serious conditions. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive management of portal venous gas are crucial due to high mortality rates.

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Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Abdominal radiography is a common diagnostic tool.
  • Air in the right upper quadrant can signify various pathologies.
  • Distinguishing between pneumobilia and portal venous gas is critical.

Observation:

  • Two cases are presented with right upper quadrant air on abdominal x-ray.
  • Case 1: Pneumobilia secondary to a bilioenteric fistula, managed electively.
  • Case 2: Portal venous gas leading to emergency laparotomy for superior mesenteric artery embolism.

Findings:

  • Differential diagnostic criteria for pneumobilia and portal venous gas are detailed.
  • Portal venous gas is associated with a high mortality rate (approximately 75%).

Implications:

  • Aggressive management, including emergency exploratory laparotomy, is recommended for suspected portal venous gas.
  • Timely diagnosis and intervention can improve patient outcomes in critical abdominal conditions.