Open AccessUltrasound imaging for assessing functions of the GI tract
Author(s) -
Elisabeth Kjelsvik Steinsvik,
Jan Gunnar Hatlebakk,
Trygve Hausken,
Kim Nylund,
Odd Helge Gilja
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
physiological measurement
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.674
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1361-6579
pISSN - 0967-3334
DOI - 10.1088/1361-6579/abdad7
Subject(s) - ultrasound , medicine , motility , radiology , medical physics , biomedical engineering , physiology , biology , genetics
Objective . In the following review we outline how ultrasound can be used to measure physiological processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Approach . We have investigated the potential of ultrasound in assessing gastrointestinal physiology including original research regarding both basic methodology and clinical applications. Main results . Our main findings show the use of ultrasound to study esophageal motility, measure volume and contractility of the stomach, assess motility, wall thickness, and perfusion of the small bowel, and evaluate wall vascularization and diameters of the large bowel. Significance . Ultrasound is a widely accessible technology that can be used for both scientific and clinical purposes. Being radiation-free and user friendly, the examination can be frequently repeated enabling longitudinal studies. Furthermore, it does not influence normal GI physiology, thus being useful to estimate motility and subtle changes in physiology. Accordingly, ultrasound scanning and physiological measurements may make a big difference for the scientist and the doctor; and for the patients who receive an efficient work-up.