Abdominal x-rays tutorial
Ok… here are marked x-rays; a bit of a tutorial on abdominal plain x-rays.
Lesson 1:
Normally, we see gas in the stomach and intestines only. Since gas appears black on X-ray, and tissue appears grey, we can only see the contrasting black and grey area between the gas in the intestines and the inside wall if the intestines. This is seen in this example marked with a red line.
When there’s gas outside the intestinal wall, then the gas also shows up as a contrasting black and grey interface outside of the intestines. As are the two lines marked with purple. So it looks like you can now see the inside and the outside walls of the intestines. You should probably look beyond the ends of the lines to appreciate this ‘cos the markings have covered the features that I’m trying to show. I think you should be able to follow the lines beyond the marks that I’ve drawn.
That means that there’s gas where there shouldn’t be… outside the intestines.
Lesson 2:
Now.. the stone is easier to explain. Since stones are higher density than soft tissue, the shadow on X-rays looks denser (=”whiter”). In this patient.. i’ve marked the stone with a yellow circle.
The location in the right upper quarter of the abdomen suggests kidney stones or gallbladder stones.
Lesson 3:
This is actually a chest X-ray.. but what we want to know is under the diaphragm, i.e. in the abdomen. The diaphragm is marked with blue.
There’s gas in the lungs. So above the diaphragm it is dark. The abnormal bit is below the diaphragm.. it should be light because of the liver there. Now.. it’s black too. And the liver outline can be seen marked with green. So the black space between the blue line and the green line indicates gas in the abdomen.
Tune is next time for another tutorial on x-ray-ted films … on bernardchan.net…
[…] Abdominal x rays tutorial […]
WHOA! This is sooo much easier, doc!
I must be really dark inside. Can almost cut the cheese on request. hehe
Yay, thank you, teacher!
I bring you all my x-rays, then you can explain to me what are the problems. I need 2nd opinion.
pelf, izzinit?
i’m glad you found it easy now…
Simple American, reallllyyy dark…
Jonzz, you’re welcome!
eastcoastlife, X-rays can’t tell what’s wrong with a person… they only confirm or disprove that which you’ve suspected.
Where is the stone? Can’t see a thing!
Judy, look at the photo in the previous post without the markings .. it should be easier to spot the difference in density. The yellow circle marks the outline of the stone.
ECL, do listen to Bernard.
You can’t get a 2nd opinion based on X-ray alone.
In any case, Communication come 1st.
It takes hours, if not days, sometimes, to get the the problem.
X-ray is merely a tool to confirm, or disapprove what is Already forming in the mind.
??????? &????????
????????????????????????? :(?
[…] I stumbled upon Bernard Chan’s blog through LiewCF MyBlogLog Community. I was surprised that he is teaching readers how to read X-rays! Example: Abdominal x-rays tutorial […]
Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. Just today I had questions about x-rays and some of them were answered. I do have a question if someone is kind enough to answer me. When an x-ray of the lungs show a whiter area where it shouldn’t be, does it always mean cancer? Thank you for your blog.
Thank you for the blog on reading x-rays. Question: Does whiter areas showing in the lungs in the upper area always mean cancer?
Heather, no they do not always mean cancer. There could be a lot of other causes of opacities (white areas) in chest x-rays. One needs to tie the findings in with the patients’ clinical problem.
I had my r shoulder x-rayed by a chiropracter that found something on my collar bone says might be a new or old injury or cancer. its round but how can i know for sure no $ for second opinion. I cant read a x-ray cant find anyone to show me how.I do have the X-rays with me though just in case some one wants to see them. ha ha.any suggestions? Feels like a broken bone I put it in a sling.
Bernard, thank you for your response to my question. Maybe you can help Bonnie by reading her x-ray and giving an opinion.?
Heather, no problem.
Bonny, i wonder why your chiropracter is taking x-rays. Is he/she licenced to do that? I’m not an orthopaedic surgeon to be able to comment on bone radiographs. I think that having a suggestion of “cancer” should prompt an urgent consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon ‘cos it’s a matter of life and death.
Isn’t there a government medical system where you live that provides free medical care?