Abstract
Objective. In the following review we outline how ultrasound can be used to measure physiological processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Approach. We have investigated the potential of ultrasound in assessing gastrointestinal physiology including original research regarding both basic methodology and clinical applications. Main results. Our main findings show the use of ultrasound to study esophageal motility, measure volume and contractility of the stomach, assess motility, wall thickness, and perfusion of the small bowel, and evaluate wall vascularization and diameters of the large bowel. Significance. Ultrasound is a widely accessible technology that can be used for both scientific and clinical purposes. Being radiation-free and user friendly, the examination can be frequently repeated enabling longitudinal studies. Furthermore, it does not influence normal GI physiology, thus being useful to estimate motility and subtle changes in physiology. Accordingly, ultrasound scanning and physiological measurements may make a big difference for the scientist and the doctor; and for the patients who receive an efficient work-up.
Highlights
Ultrasonography is a popular and widely used imaging technique in modern medicine
Compared to other imaging modalities such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound has the advantage of being a real-time imaging modality, and the examining physician can interpret the findings as the patient is examined
A simple cross section measurement of the gastric antrum correlates with approximately 90% agreement to MRI, but is more easy to use in a pre-operative setting in children (Schmitz et al 2016)
Summary
Elisabeth K Steinsvik1,2 , Jan Gunnar Hatlebakk, Trygve Hausken, Kim Nylund and Odd Helge Gilja.
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