Final answer:
The radiographic appearance of an ileus is commonly referred to as the a. 'string of pearls' sign. It is characterized by multiple air-fluid levels on an abdominal X-ray showing beaded dilated loops of small bowel, indicative of a functional bowel obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The radiographic appearance of an ileus is often described as a 'string of pearls' sign. This appearance is due to the presence of multiple air-fluid levels seen on an upright or decubitus abdominal X-ray, where dilated loops of small bowel have a 'beaded' look, reminiscent of a string of pearls. This finding indicates a functional obstruction of the intestines, where peristalsis is halted or significantly decreased, leading to the accumulation of both gas and fluids in the intestines.
It is important to note that there are other signs, such as the coffee bean sign, which indicates a volvulus (a loop of bowel twisting on itself), and the thumbprint sign, which can suggest bowel ischemia or inflammation but these are not associated with an ileus. The steeple sign is typically seen in a croup's radiograph, not within the context of gastrointestinal issues.