Thoracic manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases

Abstract

Variety of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) changes that have their manifestation in thorax, disable their detailed review. Therefore, this article, represents short and overall overview of these conditions. Standard chest x-ray can reveal esophageal disorders, herniation of abdominal organs into thorax, signs of GIT organs perforation, subphrenic abscess. Numerous diseases of intrabadominal organs of digestive tract can spread to the thorax, either per continuitatem or by lymphogenous or hemaotgenous dissemination. Therefore, chest x-ray is obliged by investigation of abdominal organs. If it is necessary additional diagnostic procedures are performed to confirm or exclude the association of lung or pleura features with GIT disorders. Above mentioned, just confirm that chest x-ray is first in algorithm of diagnostic procedures in these pathologic conditions. If there is any suspicion to conditions that require patients treatment, additional imaging methods like computerized tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) and barium enema of digestive tract are necessary.