Some hepatomegaly is also noted on one of the views. These vertebral fractures were felt to be most consistent with acute leukemia. Bone marrow studies confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia. A lateral view of her lumbar spine makes these fractures easier to appreciate. The vertebral bodies are obviously flatter than they should be on this view.
Abdominal radiographs are generally non-diagnostic for the vast majority of cases.
However, when they reveal significant findings, they are often difficult to appreciate. Abnormalities of the bony structures include vertebral fractures, pelvic fractures, rib fractures, congenital dislocated hips, other hip injuries, etc. If one is not paying careful attention to the bony structures, these findings can be easily overlooked, although they may appear obvious once the abnormalities are identified. Soft tissue findings include fecaliths, intussusception, pneumoperitoneum, subtle obstructions, volvulus, mass effects, etc. Abdominal pain is a non-specific presentation for many serious diagnoses, but abdominal pain is most often the result of a benign cause.