GI Radiology > Small Bowel > Disease Patterns > Adynamic Ileus

Disease Patterns

Adynamic Ileus

Radiographic - Plain Films

• Supine
  
  
  • Distended loops of bowel
  
  
  • Valvulae conniventes are present
  
  
  • "Stepladder" pattern
  
  
  • Colon may be distended in diffuse ileus
  
  
  • Sentinal loop (localized area of dilatation) may be seen in localized abdominal inflammation (e.g. appendicitis, cholecystitis)
  
  
  • Gasless abdomen will be seen if distended loops are fluid-filled
  
  
• Erect / Lateral Decubitus Plain Film
  
  
  • "String of pearls" sign from small collections of air
  
  
  • Air-fluid levels
  
  
  • Non-differential levels - air-fluid levels are at the same height