Gastro-intestinal ultrasound (GIUS) is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and increasingly popular diagnostic tool, particularly for patients presenting with abdominal complaints. It is especially useful in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, where it serves as a first-line diagnostic method. GIUS is primarily employed to assess various features of the bowel wall, including thickening, stratification, and vascularization. Additionally, it is valuable in identifying complications commonly associated with IBD, such as fistulas and abscesses. The ability of GIUS to provide real-time imaging without the need for radiation makes it an attractive option for both initial diagnostics and follow-up assessments in IBD patients, allowing for effective monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment.
Beyond its established role in IBD management, there is a growing interest in using gastro-intestinal ultrasound for other applications, particularly in evaluating suspected functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. GIUS offers the unique ability to detect and analyze the contents of various segments of the gut, which can be significant in diagnosing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia. By visualizing and assessing intestinal contents such as gas, fluid, and fecal matter, GIUS can help clinicians understand the underlying physiological and pathological processes affecting the patient’s gut, ultimately guiding therapeutic decisions.
In our review, we have provided a detailed sonographic description of the GIUS appearances of bowel content in both pathological and physiological conditions. These descriptions highlight the diagnostic potential of GIUS in clinical practice, not only for structural assessment but also for functional evaluation. The versatility of GIUS opens doors for further research into its potential applications in gastroenterology, with the aim of improving non-invasive diagnostic and treatment strategies.
