What does an upright chest radiograph typically show in a perforated peptic ulcer?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Free gas under the diaphragm on an erect film
- Step 1: Perforation lets gas from the stomach or duodenum escape into the peritoneal cavity. Step 2. The gas rises to lie beneath the diaphragm when the patient is upright. Answer: Free gas under the diaphragm. Why not the others: A double bubble suggests duodenal atresia. Air-fluid levels suggest obstruction. Thumbprinting suggests colitis.
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