Ultrasonography was performed on eight patients with confirmed amebic colitis to determine whether it is possible to differentiate amebic colitis from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Bowel wall thickening was similar to that found in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; thus, other tests should be used to confirm sonographic findings. However, ultrasonographic findings of thickened bowel wall should suggest amebic colitis in areas endemic for amebiasis.