The Gastrointestinal Wall Layers

Abstract

Recent developments in the understanding of the sonographic appearance of the bowel wall, made possible by improvements in ultrasound technology, have given sonography a unique role to play in the evaluation of gastrointestinal lesions. Changes in wall thickness, alterations of normal structures, and complete obliteration of the entire wall structure can be observed. This report reviews the sonographic appearance of the histologic wall structures and shows cases that illustrate how the knowledge of those structures can help the sonographer to evaluate gastrointestinal lesions.