Sonography of small bowel perforation

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to illustrate the spectrum of sonographic findings in perforation of the small bowel due to a variety of causes and discusses the potential role of sonography in the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Although sonography is not the first-line investigation of choice in suspected small intestinal perforation, an understanding of the characteristic appearances seen during general abdominal sonography may aid the radiologist in the early diagnosis. Recognition of small bowel perforation on general abdominal sonography will shorten the time to diagnosis and ultimate surgical management.