Ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract: A review

Ultrasonographic features of gastrointestinal tumors vary. Besides doughnut-shaped lesions, localized thickened walls and mass lesions, with or without infiltration of the adjacent wall, may result in complicated features. Inflammatory lesions may also cause thickening of the gastric or bowel walls. Fluid filled segments of the gastrointestinal tract may simulate a cyst or mass, and the matted bowel loop resembles a large irregular tumor or abscess. Real-time scanning is most helpful in differentiating these pseudolesions from cysts or tumors. In areas where peristalsis or compressibility is difficult to demonstrate by real-time scanning alone, additional procedures are necessary. Giving the patient a drink of tap water with microbubbles helps to identify gastric bodies, and a water enema helps to confirm a normal rectum.