Large bowel obstruction on abdominal radiograph from colorectal cancer

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain and distension.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Dilated loops of small bowel and large bowel to the region of the splenic flexure on the erect projection. Air-fluid level in the region of the distal transverse colon on the erect projection. The distal large bowel is collapsed. No free gas or pneumotosis. No bony mets seen.

Case Discussion

The patient had urgent surgery and a bowel resection, with histology confirming adenocarcinoma of the  splenic flexure.

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