Kloyber's bowls are a radiological sign described in intestinal obstruction. If you have seen this term in an abdominal X-ray report, it refers to a characteristic picture of distended segments of the intestine. Below is what exactly the image shows and how serious such a finding is.
What are Kloyber's bowls
Kloyber's bowls are a radiological symptom specific to intestinal obstruction. It is caused by the presence of distended segments of the intestine that are partially filled with fluid and partially with gas. Intestinal obstruction is defined as a partial or complete blockage of the intestine in which its contents cannot move further. The blockage can be mechanical, when something partially or completely obstructs the intestinal lumen, or caused by ileus — a condition in which the intestine does not function properly but there is no structural barrier.
How Kloyber's bowls look on a radiograph
On an abdominal image with the patient in an upright position, the sign manifests as a picture of "inverted bowls" with a horizontal fluid level. Abdominal radiography is among the examinations that show obstruction, along with computed tomography of the abdomen, a barium enema, and a barium X-ray study of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
In which conditions this sign appears
The sign is associated with intestinal obstruction, which has many causes. Mechanical causes include adhesions and scar tissue after surgery, foreign bodies, hernias, fecal stones, intussusception, tumors, volvulus, as well as inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease. Gallstones are less common. Ileus can occur against the background of intestinal infections, imbalances of electrolytes and minerals, abdominal surgery, reduced blood supply to the intestine, infections within the abdomen, kidney or lung diseases, and the use of certain medications, especially narcotic painkillers.
What symptoms usually accompany intestinal obstruction
The clinical picture includes several characteristic manifestations:
- severe abdominal pain or cramping pain;
- vomiting and nausea;
- abdominal bloating and distension, increased gas formation;
- loud bowel sounds;
- inability to pass gas, constipation.
Sometimes diarrhea and bad breath are possible. Complete intestinal obstruction is an emergency condition and often requires surgery.
How doctors confirm the diagnosis
On examination, the doctor may detect bloating, tenderness, or a hernia in the abdominal area. To confirm obstruction, computed tomography of the abdomen, abdominal radiography, a barium enema, as well as a barium X-ray study of the upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestine are used. The exact set of examinations is determined by the doctor taking into account the clinical picture and the patient's condition.
When to see a doctor urgently
You should see a doctor if stool or gas is not passing, abdominal bloating persists, vomiting continues, or there is unexplained abdominal pain that does not go away.
The entry "Kloyber's bowls" in a report is not in itself a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if severe abdominal pain appears, vomiting does not stop, the abdomen is bloated, and gas and stool are not passing — complete intestinal obstruction is possible, and this is an emergency condition.
This material is for reference purposes: it explains the term but does not replace a doctor's consultation, who will assess the image and the overall condition.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer