Gastrointestinal tract

摘要

Sonography of the gastrointestinal tract can be very rewarding. Anatomy, wall thickness, peristalsis and various pathologic conditions can be imaged. It is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic procedure. It may be performed after survey radiography or lesscommonly as a first-line procedure. Suspicious findings may be reevaluated or the clinician may decide to perform additional diagnostic procedures such as a gastrogram or upper GI study, endoscopy, or an exploratory laparotomy. Sonography should be performed prior to an upper GI examination, as barium effectively inhibits transmission of the ultrasound beam. lodinated contrast material (e.g., iohexol) is not a sound barrier. The major limitation of examination of the gastrointestinal tract in the presence of intestinal gas.