Diagnostic finding

Air-fluid level

Radiologic sign in which gas overlies liquid within a cavity, viscus, or pathological space, producing a horizontal interface on upright or decubitus imaging. Typically indicating a hollow structure containing both air and fluid.

Causes

  • Abscess

  • Obstructed bowel

  • GI perforation with leak

  • Bullae

  • Hemothorax

  • Pyopneumothorax

Also known as: Air-fluid interface

Referencing diagnoses

Note: Lists existing diagnoses in Diagnotize only.