A patient was diagnosed to have small bowel obstruction (SBO) using POCUS. The image below shows dilated small bowel loops, also known as the keyboard sign. Ineffective peristalsis (“to-and-fro motion”) of bowel content was seen.
What is the cut off value of the small bowel loop diameter to diagnose a small bowel obstruction?
A. >3.5 cm
B. >3.0 cm
C. >2.0 cm
The cut off value is >3.0cm.
Explanation
POCUS can help diagnose small bowel obstruction. The typical findings are:
- Ineffective peristalsis (food and liquid in the dilated small bowel loop) will be seen moving back and forth within the bowel lumen.
- Dilated small bowel loops with a diameter more than 3.0 cm.
- Visualization of plicae circulares. This is also referred to as the “keyboard sign”.
References
- Knipe, H. Small bowel obstruction. Radiopaedia. Published September 14, 2021. Accessed January 4, 2022. https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-6158
