UMEM Educational Pearls

Question

This week's case is challenging, but very interesting...

An elderly patient presents with a history of significant weight loss and chronic constipation; abdominal Xray is below. What's the diagnosis? (Hint: why is the right kidney and psoas muscle so well defined?)

 

Answer

  • Massive retroperitoneal and peritoneal free-air from ascending colon rupture; colon cancer was eventually diagnosed in the operating room.
  • Notice that the kidney and psoas muscle outlined by the free-air below.

References

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