Is Tympany Normal in Abdomen?

As mentioned previously, percussion elicits sounds that have different pitches across various structures—making distinct sounds. In the abdomen, the predominant sounds are either tympany or dullness. Tympany is typically heard over air-filled structures such as the small intestine and the large intestine.

What is tympany in the abdomen?

Tympany over a mass implies it is gas filled. In the abdomen, this usually signifies the mass is dilated bowel, as only rarely will there be enough gas in any other mass to produce tympany.

What are normal sounds when Percussing the abdomen?

The anterior gas-filled abdomen normally has a tympanitic sound to percussion, which is replaced by dullness where solid viscera, fluid, or stool predominate. The flanks are duller as posterior solid structures predominate, and the right upper quadrant is somewhat duller over the liver.