Sonographic Detection of Stomach Lesion Comparison with Upper GI Study

Abstract

Background : It has recently reported that dedicated transabdominal ultrasound can assess stomach wall thickness which may be increased in neoplasia, gastritis or ulcers. In Sisaket Hospital, ultrasound is usually used as the first imaging modality in a large variety of abdominal complaints.

Objective : To assess the ability of abdominal sonogram to reveals stomach lesion in comparison with  upper GI study as a gold standard.

Materials and Methods : The study group was consisted of 30 patients evaluated by both abdominal ultrasonography and upper GI study in Sisaket Hospital during January 1, 2007 to March 4, 2008. The sonographic images were study for thickness of stomach wall. Upper GI study reports were compared with the ultrasound results. Wall thickness findings on sonography were significantly associated with the abnormal findings on upper GI study.

Results: The retrospective review of upper GI study reports revealed 3 gastritis, one gastric antral ulcer, and 26 normal stomach finding. The sonography of stomach revealed 24 examinations with normal wall thickness, 6 increased wall thickness and failed to diagnosis stomach lesion 4 examinations. The stomach wall thickening 6 mm. or greater at sonographic imaging had 75% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 50% positive predictive value, 95% negative predictive value and 86% accuracy in diagnosis of stomach lesions, comparison with upper GI study.

Conclusion : Stomach ultrasonography is a supportive diagnostic modality.  The ultrasound finding of wall thickening is non specific, which cannot be diagnosis with ultrasound alone.

Key words : Stomach wall thickness, abdominal ultrasound