Normal or benign gastric wall thickening demonstrated by computed tomography

Using a fourth generation computed tomography (CT) scanner, the gastric wall was easily demonstrated. On review of CT images of the upper abdomen, thick gastric walls were observed in numerous patients without gastric pathology. Administration of dilute Gastrografin and gas producing agent expanded the gastric wall and resolved the problem. With large gastric rugae and with gastric ulcers, thick gastric walls are also observed, presenting a problem in CT interpretation. The approach described in this report proved helpful in resolving these cases.