Category Ultrasonography

The Gastrointestinal Tract

Summary of Key Points High-resolution ultrasound allows for excellent depiction of the bowel, including the normal multilayered appearance of the bowel wall and many pathologic features. Ultrasound is a safe, objective, and accurate method for measuring the severity of inflammatory…

The Pancreas

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…

The Spleen

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…

The Liver

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…

Biologic Effects and Safety

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…

Physics of Ultrasound

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.…

Plantar fasciitis

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation and microtearing of the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia; the condition is related to arthritis, weight bearing for long periods, improper shoes and excessive physical activity. Presentation includes…