Gastrointestinal Ultrasound: Measurements and Normal Findings - What Do You Need to Know?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Standardized examination procedures and accurate bowel wall assessment are crucial for correct diagnosis in gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS).
• Distinguishing normal findings from pathological diagnoses requires a thorough understanding of sonographic parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide detailed knowledge on transcutaneous ultrasound examination of the gastrointestinal tract.
• To compile and interpret sonographic reference values for the gastrointestinal tract.
• To identify further relevant studies through citation and reference searching.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was conducted from January 1, 1990, to March 29, 2024, using Boolean search terms.
• Eligible studies were identified through citation and reference searching.

Main Results:

• Normal intestinal wall thickness in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon on ultrasound (US) typically does not exceed 2 mm, though 3 mm is often used clinically as a cutoff for pathology.
• A normal appendix outer diameter is generally considered < 6 mm, but this measurement alone is insufficient for diagnosing appendicitis as it can increase in healthy individuals.

Conclusions:

• Training in the sonographic appearance and standardized examination of the healthy gastrointestinal tract, including accurate measurements, is essential for clinicians.
• Gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) is a validated method for assessing patients with digestive diseases, highlighting the need for enhanced training and supervision for medical professionals.
• Understanding variations in intestinal wall thickness influenced by factors like age, weight, and food intake is critical for accurate interpretation.