Bowel ultrasound: examination techniques and normal and pathologic patterns

Ultrasound is being increasingly used to study the digestive tract because it has certain advantages over other techniques such as endoscopy, CT enterography, and MR enterography. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate the bowel wall and the elements that surround it without the need for contrast agents; its ability to evaluate the elasticity and peristalsis of these structures is increasing interest in its use. This article describes the techniques and modalities of bowel ultrasound, as well as the normal features of the bowel wall and contiguous structures. It uses a practical approach to review the main pathological findings and their interpretation, and the different patterns of presentation, which will help orient the diagnosis.