Abdominal Radiology for UPSC CMS: X-Ray, Ultrasound and CT Signs You Must Know

Abdominal X-Ray Signs#

Rigler sign: Both walls of bowel visible = pneumoperitoneum.
Coffee bean sign: Sigmoid volvulus.
Hausser sign: Multiple air-fluid levels = small bowel obstruction.
Hepatic flexure sign: Large bowel obstruction.

Ultrasound Findings#

Gallstones: Echogenic with posterior acoustic shadowing.
Cholecystitis: Gallbladder wall thickening (>3mm), pericholecystic fluid, sonographic Murphy sign.
Hydronephrosis: Dilated renal pelvis and calyces.
Free fluid: Morrison's pouch, splenorenal recess.