体外式超音波

Transabdominal Ultrasonography

要旨●小腸の腫瘍性疾患と炎症性疾患における画像検査のうち，体外式超音波（US）に焦点を絞り，その臨床的意義と限界について解説した．スクリーニング目的で行う検査は，侵襲が少なく，繰り返し検査が可能なmodalityが望まれる．USはスクリーニング，合併症の検出，病態のより詳細な評価，治療効果判定などあらゆる点で有用な検査法と考えられる．現在，US像の描出と解釈の両方の技量が要求されることがハードルになっていると思われるが，USを各種小腸疾患の診断におけるfirst lineに位置付けることで，迅速で効率のよい医療につながることが考えられる．

　This study aimed to examine transabdominal US（ultrasonography）imaging in neoplastic and inflammatory diseases of the small intestine and describe its clinical significance and limitations. The screening test should be less invasive and have a repeatable modality. The US is considered to be a useful modality for screening and detection of complications, detailed evaluation of disease conditions, and investigation of treatment efficacy. Currently, providing accurate imaging and interpretation of images have been a limitation for US. However, overcoming this limitation will make US the first-line diagnosis of small intestinal diseases, which, in turn, will ensure speedy and efficient medical care.