Resumen

ZEREGA R, Mario  y  CORTES A, Claudio. THE VALUABLE PEARLS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE. Rev. chil. radiol. [online]. 2009, vol.15, n.4, pp. 202-205. ISSN 0717-9308.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-93082009000500008.

The string of pearls sign can be seen in simple abdominal radiography and computed tomography as well. It consists of a row of small air bubbles longitudinally oriented in the abdomen. They represent small amounts of air trapped between val-vulae conniventes along the non dependent wall of predominantly fluid-filled, dilated small bowel loops. This sign is considered virtually diagnostic of small bowel obstruction, which occurs whenever there is an intrinsic or extrinsic blockage of the normal flow of bowel contentand manifests as abdominal pain, distention, vomiting, and increased high-pitched bowel sounds. It is a potentially Ufe threatening disease that requires urgent treatment. Duration of obstruction, vomiting frequency and gastric or enteric suction may affect radiographic appearance. It continues being hard to diagnose only based on simple radiography. Despite its low frequency, the string of pearls sign could be very valuable for radiologist, clinical physician and patient.

Palabras clave : Intestinal obstruction; Small bowel; String of pearls.