Diagnostic Ultrasound Handbook

CONTENTS:

SYSTEM AND ORGANWISE ABDOMINOPELVIC DIFFERENTIAL

ORGANIZED BASED:

1-ANATOMY

2-DIAGNOSIS

3-DIFFERENTIAL

BASED ON ORGAN WISE

What is Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdomen?

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It is safe and painless. It produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called sonography. It uses a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel into the body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back. A computer uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (x-rays). Because ultrasound captures images in real-time, it can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs. The images can also show blood flowing through blood vessels.

An abdominal ultrasound produces a picture of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen.

A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an abdominal ultrasound examination.

Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates movement of materials in the body. It allows the doctor to see and evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins in the body.

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What are some common uses of the procedure?

Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate the:

kidneys

liver

gallbladder

bile ducts

pancreas

spleen

abdominal aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen

Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:

abdominal pain or distention (enlargement)

abnormal liver function

enlarged abdominal organ

kidney stones

gallstones

an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Additionally, ultrasound may be used to provide guidance for biopsies.

Doppler ultrasound helps the doctor to see and evaluate:

blockages to blood flow (such as clots)

narrowing of vessels

tumors and congenital vascular malformations

reduced or absent blood flow to various organs, such as the testes or ovary

increased blood flow, which may be a sign of infection.

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