A patient comes to radiology for a double-contrast barium enema.The patient cannot lie on her side during the study.Which of the following projections could replace the lateral rectum projection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ventral decubitus position is the best choice to replace the lateral rectum projection as it allows a view of the rectum without the patient lying on her side. In this position, the patient lies on her stomach with her legs slightly flexed and the x-ray tube placed beneath the table. This allows for a clear view of the rectum and sigmoid colon. The other projections listed (AP axial, LPO axial, and dorsal decubitus) do not adequately visualize the rectum without the patient lying on their side.

A Patient Comes to Radiology for a Double-Contrast Barium Enema