Proceedings of the British Journal of Radiology, Imaging in abdominal sepsis, 19 October 1989

The plain abdominal radiograph is often the first investigation a patient experiences following clinical evaluation. Contrary to popular belief, patients with intra-abdominal abscesses are not always critically ill, and as the radiological signs of intraabdominal abscess are often subtle the radiologist must play a key role in the diagnosis. Of critical importance is a thorough understanding of the peritoneal reflections within the abdomen. Paradoxically these peritoneal reflections constitute both barriers and conduits, impeding and facilitating the passage of intra-peritoneal effusions.