Transcutaneous ultrasound of gastric pathology.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Examination of the stomach during transcutaneous upper gastrointestinal ultrasound is often ignored. Two thousand seven hundred and eighty patients were referred for endoscopy over the period of August 1994 until August 1995. Nearly half of those patients underwent transcutaneous ultrasound. We report on the ultrasonographic demonstration of gastric pathology in 18 patients.

METHODOLOGY

The stomach was examined in a collapsed state after an overnight fast. No paralytic agents or water distention were used.

RESULTS

Seven patients had gastric tumors. Six patients had diffuse gastric wall thickening. Large varices were seen in two patients. A patient with multiple ulcers showed irregular walls. Two patients had retained gastric contents.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the ultrasound matched well with endoscopic findings. We recommend that in all abdominal ultrasounds, the stomach should be examined carefully and evaluated systematically.