Question

Gasless abdomen seen in

• A. Ulcerative colitis
• B. Acute pancreatitis
• C. Intussusception
• D. Necrotising enterocolitis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the context of abdominal radiography, the term "gasless abdomen" often indicates a significant reduction or absence of intestinal gas shadows. This radiographic finding can be associated with certain medical conditions. Among the options given:

• Ulcerative colitis: Typically presents with colonic involvement rather than a gasless abdomen. It usually causes inflammation and ulceration of the colon lining.
• Acute pancreatitis: Characteristically, patients may present with a gasless abdomen on an X-ray. This is due to the inflammation and presence of fluid in the retroperitoneal space and surrounding areas, which can displace or obscure bowel gases.
• Intussusception: Generally presents with a "target sign" or "sausage-shaped" mass on imaging, not specifically a gasless abdomen.
• Necrotising enterocolitis: Can present with pneumatosis intestinalis (air within the intestinal wall) visible on radiographs, not specifically gasless.

Therefore, a gasless abdomen is most commonly associated with Acute pancreatitis due to the described mechanisms.