[Visualization of the inferior mesenteric artery in the ultrasound B image]

Reports in the literautre differ widely with regard to visualisation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) by B-mode ultrasonography. Hence, our study aimed at obtaining exact data on the feasibility of visualising the inferior mesenteric artery via B-mode ultrasonography in a relatively large patient population.

At the outpatient department of gastroenterology and hepatology 51 males (aged 14 to 75 years) and 53 females (aged 16 to 79 years) were examined consecutively by two experienced investigators via B-mode scan within the overall framework of a routine screening programme, in each case after overnight fasting. Knowledge of normal anatomic conditions and of the possible variations of the IMA is mandatory for correct IMA visualisation.

We succeeded in visualising the IMA via B-mode scan in 41 of the 51 males (80.39%) and in 40 of the 53 females (75.47%), i.e. in a total of 81 of 104 patients (77.88%) in 2-3 cm length.

The results show that IMA can be visualised by B-mode ultrasonography in a manner comparable to visualisation of the superior mesenteric artery (82). This is an essential finding, since duplex sonography of the IMA yields important information on disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease, and B-mode scanning of the IMA is the prerequisite for duplex scanning.