Can a stomach ultrasound detect an ulcer?!
Question: Can a stomach ultrasound detect an ulcer!?
I am having a stomach ultrasound because of some stomach pain!. My dr!. told me that he would save the endoscopy as a last resort and do an ultrasound first!. Can the ultrasound tell if I have an ulcer!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
No, ultrasound cannot visualize the digestive tract!. An abdominal ultrasound can see the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, urinary bladder, aorta and vena cava!. It cannot see the stomach, small intestines or colon!. The digestive tract contains air (gas), and ultrasound cannot see through air!. This is one of the reasons why you are asked to be NPO (nothing by mouth) prior to your ultrasound!. Eating creates gas in the abdomen, and that gas can interfere with the ability to visualize those organs which are imaged with ultrasound!.
If your doctor is concerned with an ulcer, an UGI (upper GI barium study) or endoscopy is needed!. BUT, many doctors will start with an abdominal ultrasound, to rule out gallbladder disease first, as this exam uses no radiation and is non-invasive!.
"Ultrasound waves are reflected by air or gas; therefore ultrasound is not an ideal imaging technique for the bowel!. Barium exams and CT scanning are the methods of choice for bowel-related problems!. Ultrasound waves do not pass through air; therefore an evaluation of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine may be limited!. Intestinal gas may also prevent visualization of deeper structures such as the pancreas and aorta!."
http://www!.radiologyinfo!.org/en/info!.cfm!.!.!.
Www@Answer-Health@Com
If your doctor is concerned with an ulcer, an UGI (upper GI barium study) or endoscopy is needed!. BUT, many doctors will start with an abdominal ultrasound, to rule out gallbladder disease first, as this exam uses no radiation and is non-invasive!.
"Ultrasound waves are reflected by air or gas; therefore ultrasound is not an ideal imaging technique for the bowel!. Barium exams and CT scanning are the methods of choice for bowel-related problems!. Ultrasound waves do not pass through air; therefore an evaluation of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine may be limited!. Intestinal gas may also prevent visualization of deeper structures such as the pancreas and aorta!."
http://www!.radiologyinfo!.org/en/info!.cfm!.!.!.
Www@Answer-Health@Com