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The "Tumbling Gallstone Sign" of Obstructive Gallstone Ileus.
Daphne J Theodorou1, Stavroula J Theodorou2, Vasilios Gkogkos3
1Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ioannina, Greece. daphne_theodorou@hotmail.com.
Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases : JGLD
|June 30, 2024
Summary
The "tumbling gallstone sign" on abdominal imaging indicates gallstones moving within the intestines, causing temporary bowel obstruction. This sign aids in diagnosing gallstone obstructive ileus.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) can lead to intermittent gallstone obstructive ileus.
- Gallstone obstructive ileus presents as a mechanical bowel obstruction caused by impacted gallstones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the diagnostic imaging finding known as the "tumbling gallstone sign."
- To elucidate the significance of the tumbling gallstone sign in patients with gallstone obstructive ileus.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes serial abdominal radiographs and computed tomography (CT) studies.
- Observes changes in gallstone position within the intestinal lumen over time.
Main Results:
- The tumbling gallstone sign is characterized by a sudden caudal displacement of gallstones within the bowel.
- Serial CT scans can demonstrate gallstones moving distally and potentially impacting the ileum.
Conclusions:
- The tumbling gallstone sign is a valuable imaging finding for diagnosing gallstone obstructive ileus.
- This sign helps identify transient mechanical bowel obstruction caused by mobile gallstones.
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