Ultrasound is the most widely used imaging test in early pregnancy. Confirmation of a live intrauterine pregnancy requires sonographic identification of an intrauterine gestational sac with an embryo exhibiting cardiac activity. Other disorders such as failed intrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy,…
The sonographic evaluation of the fetus includes assessments that extend beyond simple evaluation of fetal anatomy. Fetal well-being can be evaluated using surveillance methods such as fetal size and growth, Doppler waveform analysis, and the biophysical profile (BPP). In combination…
Practice Guidelines: Overview This chapter reviews the components of the standard obstetrical (OB) ultrasound examination, as delineated in the ACR-ACOG-AIUM-SRU Practice Parameter for the Performance of Obstetrical Ultrasound. The practice parameter was developed through the collaboration of the American College…
Tendons A number of superficial structures in the extremities are well suited for sonographic imaging. This is especially true of tendons. The interfaces between internal tendon fibers produce strong specular reflections when the sound reflects off the tendon at 90…
Thyroid Normal Anatomy The normal thyroid gland is located in the anterior inferior neck. It is divided into two lobes resting on either side of the trachea. The lobes are connected at their lower third by a thin isthmus that…
Bowel Sonography is not routinely used as a primary tool for evaluation of the bowel. Nevertheless, there are many patients with nonspecific bowel-related complaints who are initially scanned with ultrasound, and in these patients attention to the intestinal structures can…
Anatomy The spleen is an intraperitoneal organ that occupies the superior, posterior, and lateral aspects of the left upper quadrant. It is normally in continuity with the diaphragm posteriorly, laterally, and superiorly. It contacts the kidney and splenic flexure inferiorly…
Anatomy The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ that develops from a large dorsal embryologic anlage and a smaller ventral anlage. The dorsal pancreatic anlage communicates by means of its central duct with the duodenum and the ventral anlage communicates with…
Scrotum Sonography is the primary method used to image the scrotum. Patients undergoing sonography of the scrotum are usually examined in the supine position. A towel can be draped between the thighs to help support the scrotum. Warm gel should…
Anatomy Unlike the other solid abdominal organs, the kidneys have a complex internal architecture that is responsible for producing a variety of internal echogenicities. The central renal sinus is composed of fibrofatty tissue that appears echogenic on sonograms. The renal…