Summary of Key Points Knowledge of a few key scanning techniques will optimize imaging of the entire pancreas. Understanding of the embryologic development, normal anatomy, and anatomic variants of the pancreas aids in detection and characterization of disease. Ultrasound plays…
Summary of Key Points Ultrasound should be the first imaging modality used in the evaluation of the patients with potential disease of the biliary tree. Awareness of various scanning techniques and use of harmonic and compound imaging improve visualization of…
Summary of Key Points Ultrasound can be used to diagnose or exclude splenic abnormalities, but computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging may be needed in indeterminate cases. There is no single upper limit of normal for spleen size, since size…
Summary of Key Points The liver is an ideal organ for sonographic evaluation based on its large size, homogeneous parenchyma, and location high in the abdomen with access provided from both a subcostal and an intercostal approach. Standard ultrasound with…
Summary of Key Points After more than 20 years of development and a somewhat hesitant start, microbubbles have finally come of age as a contrast agent for ultrasound. The principal requirements for an ultrasound contrast agent are that it should…
Summary of Key Points Clinical ultrasound has been found to be an effective imaging modality with an excellent safety profile when used appropriately. Ultrasound can produce physical effects, which should be understood as part of the benefit-versus-risk assessment as with…
Summary of Key Points Quality imaging requires an understanding of basic acoustic principles. Image interpretation requires recognition and understanding of common artifacts. Special modes of operation, including harmonic imaging, compounding, elastography, and Doppler, expand the capabilities of conventional gray-scale imaging.…