The cholescintigraphic pattern of small bowel obstruction

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are common presenting symptoms in elderly patients.
• Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) is a functional imaging technique used to evaluate the hepatobiliary system.

Observation:

• An elderly patient presented with acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• A hepatobiliary scan was performed to investigate these symptoms.

Findings:

• The hepatobiliary scan showed normal gallbladder filling.
• Radiographic findings revealed dilatation of the small bowel.
• The observed small bowel dilatation was consistent with a partial small bowel obstruction.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of hepatobiliary scans in diagnosing conditions beyond biliary obstruction.
• Early identification of partial small bowel obstruction is crucial for timely management and preventing complications.
• Further investigation may be warranted to determine the underlying cause of the small bowel obstruction.