11. Ultrasonographic Evaluation Of Gastrointestinal Tract Pathologies (A Study Of 64 Cases)

Chetan Mehta, Chandrasekhar Patil, Deepa Regina John, 

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the role of ultrasonography in diagnosing different bowel loop pathologies and to show that most of the common and some of the uncommon diseases of the intestine can be diagnosed on ultrasonography reliably without the need of further imaging studies. Methods: This study included 64 patients who presented with abdominal complaints like abdominal pain, abdominal lump, vomiting, fever, constipation and diarrhoea. Results: Most of the cases were initially diagnosed on ultrasound and was confirmed on CT. Interpretation & conclusion: In acute abdominal conditions, transabdominal ultrasound is a very sensitive investigative modality. Hence it can be used as an initial diagnostic tool. However, its value is limited in definitive diagnosis of acute abdominal conditions. It can also be used for further work up & follow up of bowel diseases. Ultrasound has gained acceptance, especially in inflammatory bowel disease because it can provide information regarding extent & activity of the disease. New sonographic techniques including colour Doppler combined with the application of intravenous contrast agents increase the accuracy in evaluating bowel wall vascularisation.

Key-words: Small bowel pathologies, appendicitis, intussusception

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