Small bowel obstruction with perforation

Case contributed by Lee-Anne Slater
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Acute abdominal pain in an ICU patient.

Patient Data

Gender: Male

Dilated bowel loops consistent with bowel obstruction.

Rigler's sign and football sign are compatible with associated pneumoperitoneum.

Arrows indicate free subdiaphragmatic gas. 

Case Discussion

Demonstrating evidence of perforation is very important as it usually results in an emergency laparotomy. As such looking for signs of free gas is essential.

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