Radiological Anatomy: Stomach

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to covering how the stomach will appear across different radiological studies.

FRONTAL CHEST X-RAY (KUB)

While it is not in the chest, the stomach can often be visualized on a frontal chest X-ray.

On a frontal chest X-ray the stomach can be seen below the left hemidiaphragm. Take note of the gastric bubble that makes localizing this structure easier (source)
On a frontal chest X-ray the stomach can be seen below the left hemidiaphragm. Take note of the gastric bubble that makes localizing this structure easier (source)

Gastric bubble: this is a very important feature of the stomach to keep in mind. There will almost always be air in the stomach unless the patient has recently vomited or the have a nasogastric tube placed that is attached to a suction device.

ABDOMINAL X-RAY (KUB)

An abdominal X-ray is a very routinely ordered study, and a core component of reading this study is to evaluate the appearance of the stomach.

 

Page Updated: 10.08.2016