RESUMO
Objective: To demonstrate the sonographic features of gut masses detected either incidentally or purposely through the gastrointestinal tract sonography with histological correlation to compare the detected abnormalities for their benign and malignant nature
Material and Methods: The study was conducted between September 2009 and February 2013. Ultrasound scanning was performed on 72 patients [20-75 years, mean age 46 years] presenting with clinical suspicion of underlying primary gastrointestinal pathology due to abdominal symptoms. The histological confirmation was done either through surgically resected specimen, trucut biopsy, flexible endoscopic biopsy or fine needle aspiration
Results: Out of 72 patients, upper GI tract masses included 2 distal esophageal and 7gastric cancers. Mid gut included 9 cases of primary small bowel lymphoma. Intussusception was found in 6 patients. Ileoceacal masses were found in 13 patients with one case of jejunal mass. 18 patients were diagnosed as acute appendicitis, 3 patients demonstrated appendicular mass. Large intestine revealed a single case of diverticulitis besides 15 cases of colorectal cancer. The masses were either lobulated or revealed a segmental wall thickening simulating appearance of kidney [Pseudokidney sign], or diffused wall thickening [Target sign]
Conclusion: In our experience, ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract is an extremely useful modality for evaluating gut masses from distal esophagus up to rectum. Sonographic appearance ofgut related masses helps to evaluate the clinical differential diagnosis. However, additional work-up may be needed in the form of contrast study, cross-sectional imaging or endoscopy for specifying the diagnosis with histological confirmation