The "target" pattern: characteristic sonographic feature of stomach and bowel abnormalities

Abstract

The abdominal sonograms in 14 patients with abdominal masses due to various lesions of the stomach, small bowel and colon revealed a characteristic finding consisting of a discrete round or oval abnormality with dense central echoes and anechoic periphery. Identification of this target pattern on abdominal sonography, while not specific for any disease, is typical of abnormalities involving the hollow abdominal viscera.