Radiography is a familiar and available imaging modality for the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal distress. Potential causes for acute abdominal distress include the hepatobiliary system, spleen, urogenital tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Radiographic signs associated with specific conditions are described, including gastric-dilation volvulus, urinary bladder rupture, ureteral rupture, urethral rupture, pancreatitis, and small intestinal obstruction. Additionally, contrast procedures that can be beneficial in evaluating the patient with acute abdomen, including positive contrast cystography, urethrography, excretory urography, and peritoneography, are described.

Radiography is a useful imaging modality for evaluating patients with acute abdominal distress, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions and guiding contrast procedures.

Radiographic techniques and interpretation of the acute abdomen.

Key Takeaway: Radiography is a useful imaging modality for evaluating patients with acute abdominal distress, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions and guiding contrast procedures.