[Sonographic differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction--results of a prospective study of 48 patients].

Based on a routine ultrasonic screening program of patients suffering from acute abdominal disorders, the efficacy of ultrasonic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was assessed prospectively in a series of 48 patients. In the entire series proven to suffer from ileus, all were correctly diagnosed prior to further procedures. In cases with marked gaseous distention, typical ultrasonic patterns were objectivated using a side position of the patients. The assessment of specific mucosal structures permitted the identification of the obstruction site in mechanical ileus. Sonographic observation in real time motion yielded a differential diagnosis of cases with persisting peristalsis and cases with complete paralysis. In 6 cases, causative diagnosis of ileus was achieved by sonography alone, in 12 cases by combination of clinical and sonographic findings.