Sonography of the thoracic and abdominal walls

J Clin Ultrasound. 2004 Nov-Dec;32(9):500-10. doi: 10.1002/jcu.20070.

Abstract

Pathologic processes that may involve the thoracic or abdominal wall occasionally raise diagnostic challenges because of the low specificity of physical findings. Congenital and developmental anomalies may mimic soft-tissue or bone tumors; tumors may mimic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and vice versa. Furthermore, these disorders may produce remote manifestations that are frequently misdiagnosed as visceral pain. Many of these parietal processes have typical sonographic appearances that allow definitive diagnosis. This article reviews characteristic sonographic appearances of thoracic and abdominal wall disorders. Familiarity with these sonographic features facilitates accurate diagnosis and optimal patient treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Abdominal Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Abdominal Wall / abnormalities
  • Abdominal Wall / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hernia / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
  • Thoracic Wall / abnormalities
  • Thoracic Wall / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Wall / injuries
  • Ultrasonography