Ultrasonic Evaluation of the Stomach, Small Bowel, and Colon

Abstract

A characteristic sonographic pattern that suggests a bowel lesion is pathologically significant in over 90% of patients with this pattern. The authors call this pattern the "pseudokidney sign" because it superficially resembles the ultrasonic appearance of the kidney. Although found occasionally in normal persons, this characteristic pattern should always lead the sonographer to consider a bowel lesion. Additional radiographic examinations, such as an upper-gastrointestinal series, small-bowel studies, and barium-enema examinations, are advised for definitive diagnosis.