The bowel gas pattern shows no dilatation, but there are high density objects scattered in a peripheral distribution that is suggestive of colon. Some medications may be high enough in density to be visible on radiography, but given the history, this could be ingestion of other indigestible material. The patient had a history of eating glass.

In general the colon is peripheral in location on an abdominal radiograph, but it is important to realize that some parts of the colon may not be located in the expected position. The transverse colon in some patients may droop down into the central part of the abdomen, and in other patients, the sigmoid colon may be elongated and extend up into the central abdomen. In order to identify colon, position and scalloped margin with variably spaced haustra can help in identificaiton, but contents are also helpful. Stool ahs a characteristic appearance on radiography, with a faint speckled appearance from small bubbles of gas insterspersed with more solid material.