Ultrasound is a routine diagnostic procedure widely used in gastroenterology departments worldwide, and gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) has become increasingly important in diagnosing and following gastrointestinal disorders. Being a real-time imaging modality, it has some advantages over static imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, and it allows the examiner to perform various techniques and methods to enhance visualisation. GIUS requires more than essential ultrasound experience, and acquiring good images for correct interpretation can be challenging even for the experienced examiner. As such, there are several pitfalls that clinicians should be aware of. Based on our clinical experience with an evidence-based approach, we present the ten most common mistakes made in gastrointestinal ultrasound and how to avoid them.

Alcohol consumption is the most prevalent aetiology for liver cirrhosis in Europe and the third leading risk factor for overall mortality.1,2 In fact, alcoholic liver cirrhosis accounts for almost half a million deaths a year worldwide, corresponding to 50% of all cases of cirrhosis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).3 Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is multifaceted, with several cofactors influencing its progression. Patients abusing alcohol can simultaneously have viral hepatitis B or C, or a genetic disease, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or haemochromatosis.

Ostomy management refers to the care and maintenance of an ostomy and involves various aspects to ensure the individual’s health, comfort, and quality of life. This should involve the patient, a close support system (family and/or friends), and a healthcare team, including ostomy nurses and healthcare professionals specialising in ostomy care.