Possible x ray findings in acute pancreatitis Sentinel loop sign, represents localised ileus of intestinal loops near the inflamed pancreas.
Generalised paralytic ileus, if inflammation is severe and diffuse, dilated bowel loops will be seen as intestinal obstruction.
Colon cut-off sign, describes a situation in which the colon seems to abruptly "end" as shown in the figure above, it may relate to functional retraction of the phrenicocolic ligament.
Renal halo sign, the inflammatory exudate in the retroperitoneal space seem to enhance the perirenal fat appearing as a radiolucent halo surrounding the kidney, this may occur around both kidneys.
Pleural effusion, may occur as a result of posterior disruption of inflamed pancreatic duct with subsequent formation of a pleuropancreatic fistula.
Calcified radio-opaque gallstone, may point toward gallstone pancreatitis, it has to be noted that only 10% of gallstones are radio-opaque.
