Ultrasound

Common uses for abdominal ultrasound include evaluation of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and blood vessels of the abdomen to determine the source of abdominal pain, such as gall stones or kidney stones, inflamed appendix and causes of enlargement of abdominal organs.

Ultrasound guided biopsy has become a significant mode for diagnosing suspicious cancerous lesions and abnormalities. Ultrasound guidance is relatively quicker and more comfortable than other type of biopsies and allows for real time visualization of lesions. Tissues is extracted from the lesions with ultrsound depicting the precise site of the lesion is order to provide a diagnosis. This type of procedure can assist in determining cystic component of tumors.

Doppler ultrasound is a study that examines the major blood vessels in order to determine blockages to blood flow caused by clots, build up of plaque or congenital malformations. These studies can also be used to display vascular flow and the relationship to surrounding masses.

Pelvic ultrasound is used often for women to examine the uterus and ovaries, and to monitor the health of the fetus during pregnancy. The scan can determine causes for pelvic pain associated with abnormal bleeding or other menstrual problems and is used to identify and assess cysts, fibroid growth and ovarian and uterine cancers.

Pelvic ultrasound is used to focus on the bladder and prostate gland in men. The pelvic contains some of the largest blood vessels in the body and ultrasound is often used to evaluate blood flow.

There are three methods utilized to perform pelvic ultrasound: 1) Transabdominal which is sweeps back and forth over the abdomen; 2) Transvaginal which involves insertion of the transducer much like a gynecologic exam for vaginal imaging; 3) Transrectally which involves insertion of the transducer in the rectum for prostate imaging. If a lesion is identified with these exams, an ultrasound-guided biopsy is often performed to extract a small amount of tissue for further examination.

This procedure involves the injection of sterile saline into the uterus while a transvaginal sonography is performed. It is used to distend the endometrial cavity to look for polyps, fibroids or cancer and is frequently used for patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also used to evaluate the uterine cavity for birth anomalies or scars. Saline outlines lesion to allow for easy visualization and measurement of anomalies. This procedure can also be used for infertility studies. Saline and air are injected into the uterus while the sonogram identifies air bubbles passing though the fallopian tubes to look for indication of patency of the fallopian tubes.

Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive form of imaging that utilized high frequency sound waves to obtain a medical image of breast tissue. It produces very precise image of soft tissues for a more accurate view of the breast tissue. Ultrasound can determine whether a mass is cystic or solid and can assist in characterizing whether the mass is more likely to be benign or cancerous.

Ultrasound guided core biopsy has become a significant mode for diagnosing suspicious breast lesions. Breast cyst aspiration is a simple procedure designed to remove cyst fluid with ultrasound guidance. A small needle is inserted through the cyst wall to drain the fluid for further laboratory study. Tissue can also be extracted utilizing an automated system, or Mammotome® vacuum-assisted device.

A vascular duplex ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create an image.

Carotid Duplex ultrasound is used to look for plaque and blockages within the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries carry blood to the brain and are located within the neck.

Venous Duplex ultrasound is used to detect blood clots in the venous system (veins) of the upper or lower extremities.

Renal Artery Duplex ultrasound examines the arteries that lead to the kidneys. These arteries are located within the abdomen. An 8-hour fasting prep is required for this exam.

Mesenteric Artery Duplex ultrasound examines the arteries that supply blood flow to your large and small intestines. An 8-hour fasting prep is required for this exam.

Abdominal Aorta Duplex ultrasound is used to evaluate or detect the presence of an aneurysm or blockage within the abdominal aorta. An 8-hour fasting prep is required for this exam.