THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RIGIDITY OF THE JEJUNUM IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF POSTOPERATIVE JEJUNAL ULCERS

¹ From the Department of Radiology, The Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Rigidity of the anastomosed jejunum, most frequently opposite the anastomosis but at times involving the whole circumference of the jejunum, is often seen in the presence of jejunal ulcer. It is usually accompanied by thickening of the local jejunal folds. Occasionally, the folds are effaced.

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The rigidity may be the first "hint" that an ulcer is present.

At times, the rigidity is the only roentgenologic abnormality found in patients with jejunal ulcer.

The rigidity usually disappears with the healing of the ulcer.

Rigidity of the jejunum which remains after the disappearance of a jejunal ulcer is probable evidence of a persisting, although no longer demonstrable ulcer. Such an ulcer is usually but not always superficial.

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