[The pathological, intestinal cockade sign]

The transabdominal ultrasonography is the most important imaging technique for intestinal diseases. The universal availability, the better imaging quality but also growing experience have definitely enlarged the spectrum of detectible diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of new techniques like "Tissue Harmonic Imaging" and Color and Power Doppler or the ultrasonography with contrast agents remains to be evaluated. Low costs and no side effects allow a generous use of the method in case of complications and in order to check the course of a disease. The sonomorphological signs of the most important diseases presenting as pathological cockade will be discussed.