Ultrasonic demonstration of the inflamed appendix: case report.

Ultrasound was used to visualize a grossly inflamed nonperforated appendix in a child with acute leukemia. The characteristic sonographic pattern of the gastrointestinal tract was altered, and showed thickening of the bowel wall. In this case, use of ultrasound as an initial screening procedure in a patient with abdominal complaints aided diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract abnormality prior to more traditional studies.