Coronal upper abdominal anatomy: technique and gastrointestinal applications

The coronal approach to the upper abdomen provides a valuable additional ultrasonographic view of the subphrenic and perirenal area bilaterally, and the hepatic and subhepatic region on the right. In patients with large amounts of overlying gas-filled bowel loops, it may provide the only ultrasonographic view into the high abdominal region. Reformatted coronal computed tomography may be used as a teaching aid and in demonstrating upper abdominal coronal anatomy. However, because of limited spatial resolution coronal computed tomography may be available and may be helpful in the evaluation of the upper abdomen.