Water enhanced "non-paralytic" transcutaneous ultrasound of the normal gastric wall layers (WETCUS)

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Barium studies, endoscopies and endoscopic ultrasound are the usual methods for gastrointestinal tract examinations. Endoscopic ultra sound was the only accurate equipment used for imaging the various layers o f the stomach wall distinctly. METHODOLOGY: Twenty patients undergoing renal ultrasound were given 600cc o f water to drink. Gastric wall layers were demonstrated in all patients, na mely mucosa; submucosa, musculosa and serosa. The echogenic layer of the wa ter-mucosa interface was not included in gastric wall thickness measurement . RESULTS: The normal wall measurement varied from 3-5mm. This is lower than in previous reports. CONCLUSIONS: Water enhanced "non-paralytic" transcutaneous ultrasound is a simple, safe, noninvasive, and accurate test for visualizing gastric wall l ayers.