Ultrasound patterns of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract

A mass associated with the gastrointestinal tract was detected by sonography in 33 patients. Etiologies included primary or metastatic tumor; intussusception; inflammation secondary to bowel infarction, pancreatitis, or irradiation; and a dilated, fluid-filled gut related to retained gastric contents, obstruction, ileus, or an ileal bypass. Mesenteric or omental changes were identified with inflammation and frequently with metastatic disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by repeat sonography, abdominal radiography, barium examination of the small bowel, computed tomography, surgery, or autopsy. Ultrasound patterns are characteristic in tumor, intussusception, and inflammation; specific features allowing differentiation between tumor and inflammation are described. Colonic haustra, valvulae conniventes, or bowel contours and peristalsis on real-time sonography are helpful in identifying fluid-filled bowel loops.