Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.
Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.
Types of Ultrasounds
Ultrasound can be used to safely exam babies before they are born. Early in pregnancy ultrasound is used to confirm the well being of the fetus before you can feel the baby moving and before your doctor can hear the heartbeat. After about 16 weeks, when the bones and internal organs have developed, ultrasound can assess if the baby's growth and development are progressing normally. Examining babies while in the womb is completely safe and the information provided can be very helpful to your doctor.
Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound
There are many organs in the abdomen and pelvis and the scope of your exam will be tailored to your doctor's request. The right upper quadrant ultrasound focuses on the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. This is one of the most commonly ordered ultrasound exams and is the very best way to see if you have gallstones. Liver and bile duct abnormalities are also easily seen on an ultrasound. A renal ultrasound includes pictures of both kidneys and the bladder. A renal ultrasound is often the first test ordered if blood tests show that the kidneys may not be working properly or when blood is discovered in the urine. A pelvic ultrasound focuses on the uterus and ovaries. Abnormal uterine bleeding or pelvic pains are common reasons to have a pelvic ultrasound. Sonohysterography is a new technique used to examine the inside of the uterus and is performed after a sterile saline solution is carefully introduced into the uterus through a tiny catheter in the cervix. This exam can potentially better characterize and localize an abnormality which is seen or suspected on a routine pelvic exam.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is a special way of examining blood vessels and can be used to study arteries and/or veins in any part of the body. Doppler ultrasound can be used to detect areas of narrowing in the arteries leading to the brain, the abdominal organs or the extremities. Doppler ultrasound can also be used to detect blood clots within veins which are potentially life threatening abnormalities.
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
