Basic practices for gastrointestinal ultrasound

Abstract

The standard diagnostic modalities for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases have long been endoscopy and barium enema. Recently, trans-sectional imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have become increasingly utilized in daily practice. In transabdominal ultrasonography (US), the bowel sometimes interferes with the observation of abdominal organs. Additionally, the thin intestinal walls and internal gas can make structures difficult to identify. However, under optimal US equipment settings, with identification of the sonoanatomy and knowledge of the US findings of GI diseases, US can be used effectively to diagnose GI disorders. Thus, the efficacy of GIUS has been gradually recognized, and GIUS guidelines have been published by the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Following a systematic scanning method according to the sonoanatomy and precisely estimating the layered wall structures by employing color Doppler make diagnosing disease and evaluating the degree of inflammation possible. This review describes current GIUS practices from an equipment perspective, a procedure for systematic scanning, typical findings of the normal GI tract, and 10 diagnostic items in an attempt to help medical practitioners effectively perform GIUS and promote the use of GIUS globally.

Effectiveness of transabdominal ultrasonography in predicting clinical relapse of Crohn’s disease

“…For the conventional ultrasound, probe center frequency: 3.8 MHz (range, 4.0–6.0 MHz) convex, 6.0 MHz (range, 4.0–9.5 MHz) convex, and 7.5 MHz (range, 6.0–9.0 MHz) linear probes were used. After scanning the colon, the end of the ileum was identified at the ileocecal valve, and the ileum was followed up as far as possible in the oral direction [ 27 ]. The bowel was divided into 4 sections (ileum, right lateral colon, transverse colon, and left lateral colon), and images of each section were captured.…”

“…After scanning the colon, the end of the ileum was identified at the ileocecal valve, and the ileum was followed up as far as possible in the oral direction. 27 The bowel was divided into 4 sections (ileum, right lateral colon, transverse colon, and left lateral colon), and images of each section were captured. The rectum was excluded from the analysis due to its location in the deeper part of the pelvic cavity, making it challenging to evaluate using US.…”

Acute Ileal Diverticulitis: Computed Tomography and Ultrasound Findings

“…Ultrasonography (US) is widely used as an initial screening modality for acute abdominal pain due to its noninvasiveness and easy accessibility [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Recent technological advances in US machines have led to dramatic improvements in contrast, spatial, and temporal resolutions for bowel imaging [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

“…Ultrasonography (US) is widely used as an initial screening modality for acute abdominal pain due to its noninvasiveness and easy accessibility [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Recent technological advances in US machines have led to dramatic improvements in contrast, spatial, and temporal resolutions for bowel imaging [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Ileal diverticula are commonly seen near the ileocecal valve, possibly due to increased intraluminal pressure and reversion of the blood vessels to an arcade system with larger vasa recta [ 30 ].…”