[Sonographic imaging and assessment of stomach wall changes]

By the use of a special method of investigation, the true value of percutaneous echography was investigated using 28 patients with primary gastric neoplasms and 3 patients with secondary infiltration of the gastric wall, for the proof and the judgement of the tumors, their extension and their metastases. Tumorous gastric wall thickening could be demonstrated in 87% (27/31), tumor invasion in neighbouring structures in 85% (12/14) and lymph nodes metastases in 66% (10/15). In all patients, who had liver metastases (4) or ascites (5) they were demonstrable. The sonographic appearance of the different gastric wall changes are described and discussed.