Abdominal x-ray

Answer 1

Definition

An abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the belly area, including the spleen, stomach, and intestines.

When the test is done to look at the bladder and kidney structures, it's called a KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder) x-ray.

See: X-ray

Alternative Names

Abdominal film; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB x-ray

How the test is performed

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist.

You lie on your back on the x-ray table. The x-ray machine is positioned over your abdominal area. You hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position to the side or to stand up for additional pictures.

How to prepare for the test

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant, have an IUD inserted, or have had a barium contrast media x-ray in the last 4 days.

If you have taken any medications such as Pepto Bismol (which contains bismuth) within 4 days, mention it to the health care provider. This type of medication may interfere with the test.

You wear a hospital gown during the x-ray procedure. You must remove all jewelry. You must sign an informed consent form.

How the test will feel

There is no discomfort. The films are taken with you lying on your back, side, and while standing.

Why the test is performed

• Diagnose a pain in the abdomen or unexplained nausea
• Identify suspected problems in the urinary system, such as a kidney stone or blockage in the intestine
• Locate an object that has been swallowed

Normal Values

The x-ray will show normal structures for a person your age.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal findings include:

• Abdominal masses
• Build-up of fluid in the abdomen
• Certain types of gallstones
• Foreign object in the intestines
• Hole in the stomach or intestines
• Injury to the abdominal tissue
• Intestinal blockage
• Kidney stones

The test may be performed for:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Acute appendicitis
• Acute cholecystitis
• Acute kidney failure
• Addison's disease
• Adenomyosis
• Annular pancreas
• Ascariasis
• Atheroembolic renal disease
• Biliary atresia
• Blind loop syndrome
• Cholangitis
• Chronic renal failure
• Cirrhosis
• Echinococcus
• Encopresis
• Hirschsprung's disease
• Idiopathic aplastic anemia
• Injury of the kidney and ureter
• Intussusception (children)
• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Nephrocalcinosis
• Peritonitis, spontaneous
• Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
• Renal artery stenosis
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Secondary aplastic anemia
• Toxic megacolon
• Wilms' tumor

What the risks are

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. Women should tell the health care provider if they are, or may be, pregnant.

Special considerations

The test is not usually recommended for pregnant women. The ovaries and uterus cannot be shielded during the abdominal x-ray because of their location.

Men should have a lead shield placed over the testes to protect against the radiation.

References

Morrison I. The plain abdominal radiograph and associated anatomy and techniques. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 29.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/10/2010

Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.