Irritable bowel syndrome x ray

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sudarshana Datta, MD [2]

Overview

There are no x-ray findings associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, an x-ray may be helpful in the ruling out obstruction, stool retention and aerophagia during a pain episode. In IBS patients presenting with dyspepsia, upper gastrointestinal radiography help rule out other causes. Small bowel barium radiography helps in the diagnosis of ileal and jejunal Crohn’s disease and diverticulae.

X Ray

There are no x-ray findings associated with irritable bowel syndrome.^[1]
Imaging studies are of limited value and should be considered on an individual basis.
Obstruction, stool retention and aerophagia may be ruled out on an upright abdominal x-ray during a pain episode.
In IBS patients presenting with dyspepsia, upper gastrointestinal radiography help rule out other causes.^[2]
Small bowel barium radiography helps in the diagnosis of:
- Ileal and jejunal Crohn’s disease
- Diverticula
In IBS patients of age >40 years with alarm features, a contrast barium enema should also be performed.

References

↑ O’Connor OJ, McSweeney SE, McWilliams S, O’Neill S, Shanahan F, Quigley EM, Maher MM (2012). “Role of radiologic imaging in irritable bowel syndrome: evidence-based review”. Radiology. 262 (2): 485–94. doi:10.1148/radiol.11110423. PMID 22156992.
↑ Talley NJ, Holtmann G (2016). “Irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia and other chronic disorders of gastrointestinal function”. Med. J. Aust. 205 (7): 303–4. PMID 27681970.

Overview