Can You Correctly Interpret This Abdominal X-Ray?

Welcome to the next episode of The Reveal where we take you inside the mind of a test-taker to deconstruct and connect the dots of a board-style question so you can become a better student, transform how you learn, and excel not only on high-stakes exams, but also in your general medical knowledge. Let’s get started.

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A 75-year-old man with a long-standing history of constipation presents complaining of abdominal pain for the last two days. He is now experiencing abdominal distention, constipation, and inability to pass gas for the last 12 hours. On examination, his abdomen is distended and tympanitic to percussion. You obtain an upright abdominal X-ray as seen above. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) Cecal volvulus

B) Intussusception

C) Irritable bowel syndrome

D) Sigmoid volvulus

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