The distended gasless abdomen: a fertile field for ultrasound

Ultrasonography has proven to be a helpful imaging modality in evaluating the child with a distended gasless abdomen. The presence of an unsuspected mass can easily be detected as well as the presence of ascites and/or abnormally dilated loops of small bowel. Thickened loops of bowel can also be easily detected in the abdomen with very little gas. Closed loop obstruction and intussusception, as well as meconium ileus equivalent (distal intestinal obstruction syndrome), are described.