IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Fecal loading

Case contributed by Ian Bickle

Presentation

Child with abdominal distension and discomfort.

Patient Data

Age: 9 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Mottled gas and soft tissue appearance extending from the rectum into the upper abdomen.

No bowel obstruction.

Lumbar scoliosis.

Case Discussion

Fecal loading is not a good indication for the undertaking of an abdominal film.

It is however a common observation, especially in the young, elderly and those with spinal or neurological problems.

This example is of a grossly distended rectum with the typical mottled appearance of gas trapped between more solid faeculant matter.  When more focal it is termed a faeculoma.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.