Gallstone ileus

Rolling stones: findings of gallstone ileus on abdominal radiographs

Published on June 1, 2024

“... failure to make the correct diagnosis was not due to the absence of the signs in the roentgenogram but rather to failure to detect the signs because of unfamiliarity with the syndrome.”
Leo Rigler, 19411

Gallstone ileus is a type of intestinal obstruction caused by gallstone migration and impaction inside the gastrointestinal system1, 3. It accounts for <5% of mechanical bowel obstructions and up to 25% of small bowel obstructions (SBO) in patients over 65 years3. It is seen disproportionately in elderly females with multiple health issues and carries a high morbidity and mortality (7-30%) in part due to delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis4. Radiological imaging is essential for the diagnosis of gallstone ileus and related complications, and guides surgical management3, 4. Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice in the diagnosis...

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