Ultrasonography and CT of abdominal and inguinal hernias.

Forty-two patients with various abdominal wall hernias and five patients with inguinal hernias were studied with ultrasonography. Thirteen patients were studied by CT. Although hernias are usually apparent on physical examination, difficulty in diagnosis may be encountered in some patients. Ultrasonography and CT are not only capable of diagnosing hernia in such instances, they are also helpful in the clinical management of the patients by demonstrating the precise location and extent of the muscular defect. However, the hernia may simulate a mass or cyst in the ultrasonograph and CT scan and one should carefully demonstrate intraperitoneal communication through a muscular defect or a herniated bowl loop within the hernia in order to avoid misdiagnosis. Pseudohernias due to localized thinning or thickening of the rectus muscle were also observed in five patients.