Abdominal ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasonography is a form of medical ultrasonography that uses transmission and reflection of ultrasound waves to visualize internal organs through the abdominal wall.

Abdominal ultrasonography is a non-invasive, pain-free way to assess the internal organs of a patient and can be used to diagnose abnormalities in the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, intestines, stomach and blood vessels. If Doppler imaging is added, the blood flow of the blood vessels can be evaluated as well.

Diseases that can be diagnosed using this technique include cholelithiasis (gallbladder stones), neoplasia (cancer) of various organs, ascites (abdominal fluid), gastrointestinal obstruction, urolithiasis (kidney and bladder stones), hydronephrosis (dilated kidneys), pyelonephritis (kidney infection), and pancreatitis, among others.

Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of organs, lymph nodes, and tumors can be performed for cytologic analysis and diagnosis of many conditions. Ultrasound- guided abdominocentesis can also be performed for fluid analysis and cytology. Early diagnosis of certain conditions following abdominal ultrasound allows for correct treatment, faster recovery, and longer survival times.

Patient #1: Second view of plicated bowel with linear foreign body.

Patient #2: Second view of irregular, cavitated splenic mass.