Small-Bowel Obstruction (CT Scan)

In this CT scan, the small bowel is dilated and filled with air and fluid. Oral contrast is seen in some of the loops but has not traveled down to the distal small bowel. Note the collapsed cecum and sigmoid colon (arrows). A specific point of obstruction (transition point) cannot always be seen on CT, but the dilated proximal bowel and collapsed distal bowel are highly suggestive of the diagnosis.