The “Black-and-White Cookie” Sign – A Case Series of a Novel Ultrasonographic Sign in Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Abstract

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare condition occurring as a consequence of numerous processes that prevent gastric emptying. Presenting symptoms of GOO are non-specific and include nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort and decreased appetite. The diagnosis of GOO is often challenging. Emergency physicians must have a heightened awareness of GOO to ensure proper diagnosis and rapid treatment. Although the gold standard for diagnoses of GOO is endoscopy, many patients are identified by computerized tomography imaging. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapid and non-invasive technique for evaluating patients in the emergency department. Previous literature has validated the use of ultrasound in diagnosing various intra-abdominal pathologies including bowel obstructions and appendicitis; however, there is limited research on evaluating gastric disease. 1 We report three cases of GOO diagnosed with the “black-and-white cookie” sign on POCUS.