Significance of a positive mobile turbid tone

A positive mobile turbid tone is a change in position where alternating tympanic and turbid sounds are found on percussion of the abdomen. It is usually seen in patients with pneumoperitoneum, especially secondary to chronic liver disease, or in patients with malignant tumors with peritoneal metastases, and liver metastases can affect liver function leading to anemia and hypoproteinemia. The late stage of liver disease can easily lead to portal hypertension, which can also affect the venous blood flow back to the gastrointestinal tract and even lymphatic flow, resulting in the formation of peritoneal effusion. In some patients with intestinal obstruction, if the intestinal canal becomes stuck and necrotic, it may also lead to an exudate in the abdominal cavity. The investigation will show a positive mobile turbid sound, while a laparotomy will also obtain bloody fluid. A positive mobile turbid sound is also a sign of aggravation, and further surgical treatment is an option if necessary.