The plain abdominal radiograph in pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium difficile

The plain abdominal radiographs have been reviewed in nine patients with proven pseudomembranous colitis. These demonstrated small intestinal dilatation in eight patients, colonic thumb-printing and haustral thickening in seven, ascites in five and colonic dilation in two cases. The elucidation of these signs, especially in combination, may suggest the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis in those at risk.