Pseudomembranous colitis on ultrasound

Transabdominal ultrasound of the colon in a patient with pseudomembranous colitis. A characteristic feature is the asymmetric hypoechoic bowel wall thickening (BW) with loss of wall layer structure and "cobblestone-like" or pseudopolypous picture of the mucosa and the absence of a visible lumen. Depending upon the degree of inflammation, a hyperechogenic reaction of the mesentery may be seen. Ultrasonography of lymphomatous infiltration of the intestinal wall may display a similar image.