In diagnosing abdominal pain and distension with dilated bowel loops, it is crucial to determine the location of dilation within the gastrointestinal tract on imaging. Identifying features can help differentiate between segments:
- Jejunum: Characterized by a 'feathery' appearance on radiographs due to prominent valvulae conniventes, which appear as regular and thin lines that closely spaced.
- Duodenum: Typically more localized with fewer folds, often appears C-shaped.
- Ileum: Displays fewer folds than the jejunum, presenting smoother loops.
- Transverse colon: Wider caliber with haustra markings, appearing as broader and more irregular than the valvulae in the small intestine.
In this case, the correct identification is the
Jejunum, as it aligns with the characteristic imaging appearance described above.