Radiological manifestation of typhoid perforation of ileum on plain abdomen

Radiological manifestations on plain films of the abdomen in 75 caes with proven typhoid perforation of distal ileum, in Kyungpook National University Hospital between Oct. 1972 and Sep. 1981, were analyzed and discussed. Some clinical and laboratory findings which may be helpful in diagnosis of this condition were also analyzed. Typhoid perforation was occurred most frequently in those between 2nd and 4th decades, and the male to female ratio was 4 : 1. Typhoid perforation was occurred most frequently in summer, but was occurred in all seasons. Radiological findings were free intraperitoneal gas (64%), loss of properitoneal fat line (62.7%), free abdominal fluid (53.3%), distension of gas-filled bowel (94.7%), elevation of diaphragm (8%) and fixation of small bowel segments in right lower abdomen (43.7%). We concluded that a large amount of intraperitoneal gas with gas-filled distension of small bowel and findings of peritonitis are highly suggestive of typhoid perforation when the patient has acute abdomen