Radiology Review
Oh, Deer! Accident Leaves Man in Pain
A 50-year-old man is brought to your facility by EMS personnel for evaluation after a motor vehicle crash. He was an unrestrained driver who...
ANSWER
The radiograph shows an enteric tube passing through the gastrointestinal tract. However, it extends low into the left lower quadrant, loops around the right lower quadrant, and then heads up toward the left upper quadrant. Such a course is atypical and concerning for displaced position.
The radiologists concurred, and it was decided to instill some water-soluble contrast and repeat the KUB for further evaluation. That image is shown here. Note that the contrast does not appear to be in the stomach, as no gastric folds are visible. It accumulates in the left upper quadrant, under the diaphragm. Such a finding is concerning for possible gastric perforation.
The tube was promptly withdrawn, and urgent surgical consultation was obtained.
