Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Abstract

Plain abdominal radiographs commonly form a part of medical assessments. Most of these films are interpreted by the clinicians who order them. Interpretation of these films plays an important diagnostic role and, therefore, influences the decision for admission and subsequent management of these patients. This lecture covers the radiology of normal findings and will cover abnormal intraluminal gas, abnormal extra luminal gas, calcification, bone and soft tissue abnormalities, and iatrogenic, accidental, and incidental objects. The standard abdominal radiograph (AXR) taken is a supine projection: X rays are passed from front to back (anteroposterior projection) of a patient lying down on his or her back. In some circumstances an erect AXR is requested: its advantage over a supine film is the visualization of air-fluid levels. A decubitus film (patient lying on his or her side) is also of use in certain situations. Although an AXR is a plain radiograph, it has a radiation dose equivalent to 50 posteroanterior chest x rays or six months of standard background radiation.

Biography

Osama El Abd has completed his M.B.B.CH. at the age of 24 years from Alexandria University, Egypt, Master degree from Alazhar University and FRCR from Londn, U.K. He is Radiologist in Clinical Imaging institute of Al Ain Hospital, U.A.E.