Ultrasonography of the human stomach

Abstract

Improved technology and new systems have expanded the possibilities of using ultrasound in clinical gastroenterology.

Methods: Conventional real-time ultrasound was applied to the stomach in order to study motor activity and accommodation to meals. The antrum was imaged by various modalities of two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography, while duplex sonography was used for studying transpyloric flow. Miniature ultrasound probes and echo-endoscopes were employed for endoscopic ultrasound

Results: The examinations provided new information about contractions, distension, co-ordination of movements, and flow. Patients with functional dyspepsia were characterized by rapid emptying of the proximal stomach, wide gastric antrum, early commencement of transpyloric flow, and epigastric discomfort following ingestion of a meat soup. Endoscopic ultrasonography exposed detailed images of the gastric wall and adjacent structures of great importance in clinical decision-making.

Conclusions: The new ultrasound methods have improved our diagnostic capabilities and opened new promising possibilities for further research in the field of motility.