Colonic sonography: preliminary observations.

Transrectal instillation of water is a recently described technique for improved sonological imaging of the lumen and wall of the colon. In order to assess the accuracy of this technique, termed colonic sonography (CS), in the detection of abnormalities of the large bowel, 100 consecutive patients were subjected to colonic sonography and the results were compared with the results of colonoscopy and surgery. The technique showed a sensitivity of 91% for the detection of colonic tuberculosis, 89% for ulcerative colitis and 83% for colonic cancers. Small mucosal ulcers, polyps less than 7 mm in diameter and the changes of non-specific colitis were not detected. Sonography displayed the entire colon more consistently than colonoscopy. The extent and extra-colonic spread of disease were better appreciated. The procedure was not adversely influenced by the presence of faecal material within the colon and was well tolerated. Colonic sonography is a promising new technique for detecting significant colonic pathology and merits further comparison with existing modalities.

Sonographic features of tuberculous peritonitis.

In order to determine the spectrum of possible sonographic abnormalities in tuberculous peritonitis (TBP), the sonograms of patients with proven disease were compared retrospectively with surgical or laparoscopic findings. The sensitivity of ultrasound for the detection of the various pathologic features of TBP was calculated. Free or loculated intraabdominal fluid, intraabdominal abscess, ileocecal mass, and retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement were most frequently detected by ultrasound. Mesenteric thickening, adherent loops of bowel, and omental thickening may also be seen, but are infrequently detected and should be actively sought in patients in whom the diagnosis is entertained.

Pedunculated colonic polyp diagnosed by colonic sonography.

A solitary hamartomatous polyp of the colon in a four year old boy was diagnosed by colonic sonography while barium enema and colonoscopy were non-diagnostic. Colonic sonography provides an additional simple, relatively non-invasive modality for evaluation of the colon.