Ultrasonographic signs of sliding gastric hiatal hernia and their prospective evaluation

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to identify sonographic findings that might be used in diagnosing sliding gastric hiatal hernia [SGHH] by using transabdominal ultrasound [TUS], to measure normal length and thickness of abdominal esophageal walls and to identify esophagogastric junction [OGJ]. A retrospective evaluation of 18 patients known to have sliding hiatal hernia and 12 normal controls was performed. A prospective study of 38 patients with symptoms suggesting hiatal herniation [epigastric or chest pain, heart burn and regurgitation] had been evaluated. In the controls, the OGJ could be visualized clearly in all cases and alimentary tract section [ATS] at the diaphragmatic hiatus ranged from 7.1 to 10.0 mm. The OGJ was not visualized in any of hernia patients whose alimentary tract diameters ranged from 16.0 to 21.0 mm. The use of US in the initial workup of patients with symptoms suggesting hiatus hernia may reduce the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures