Gastroesophageal reflux is the retrograde flow of gastric contents from the stomach back up into the esophagus. While not a primary indication for ultrasound, reflux can sometimes be observed in real time during abdominal ultrasound examinations, particularly in infants being evaluated for feeding difficulties or vomiting. On ultrasound, reflux appears as movement of fluid or gas from the stomach up through the gastroesophageal junction into the esophagus. In infants, ultrasound can help differentiate simple reflux from pyloric stenosis by evaluating the pyloric muscle and observing the dynamics of gastric emptying. While pH monitoring and endoscopy are the definitive diagnostic tests, ultrasound provides useful initial screening information.
Sonography Term