Imaging Case of the Week 397 Answer

The pelvic x-ray shows multiple loops of bowel overlying the right inguinal region. The patient has a massive right inguinal hernia.

There is nothing subtle about this pelvic x-ray. In a patient presenting with symptoms of small bowel obstruction, if plain x-ray reveals gas below the attachment of inguinal ligament (can be very subtle), suspect hernia as the cause.