[Panorama ultrasonography of the abdominal wall for delineation of the anatomy and diagnosis of pathological findings].
OBJECTIVE
To assess extended field-of-view sonography for delineation of the anatomic structures of the abdominal wall and for the diagnosis of hernia.


METHODS
In 34 cases (24 probands, 10 patients with abdominal wall defects) extended field-of-view sonography of the abdominal wall was performed with a 7.5 MHz transducer. Dynamic alignment of real-time images allows for depiction of regions of up to 60 cm in a single extended field-of-view image. A standardized axial image was obtained above and below the arcuate line and at the level of the defect, respectively. All images were evaluated by two blinded readers regarding the visibility of the anatomic structures and the delineation and extent of pathological changes.


RESULTS
The abdominal wall was delineated with extended field-of-view sonography in all patients with a good image quality. The linea alba, the rectus muscle and the three lateral abdominal muscles, the rectus sheath, the peritoneum, and the subcutaneous fatty tissue were visible. In the patients with abdominal wall defects, the hernial sac with its contents, the extension of the defect, and the surrounding structures were clearly delineated.


CONCLUSIONS
Extended field-of-view sonography allows for easily surveyed and reproducible documentation of the ultrasound examination of the abdominal wall. It is especially useful for the preoperative planning in patients with abdominal wall defects.
Krombach
G A
GA
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen. krombach@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Truong
S
S
Staatz
G
G
Mahnken
A
A
Prescher
A
A
Tacke
J
J
Weidner
J
J
Günther
R W
RW
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*