Category Ultrasonography

Doppler Imaging of the Scrotum

Introduction Scrotal sonography was first introduced in the mid-1970s. It remains the imaging modality of choice because it is simple, relatively inexpensive, and quick. Continuing refinements in imaging technology with higher-frequency transducers, and increased Doppler sensitivity have greatly enhanced perception…

Doppler Ultrasound of the Penis

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements are made to Reginald Bruskewitz, MD; Mike Ledwidge, RDMS, RVT; Jeanne Johnson and Mercedes Kirk. Introduction Common indications for penile imaging are for evaluation of erectile dysfunction, trauma, priapism, penile carcinoma and Peyronie’s disease. Because it is a…

Solid Organ Transplantation

Acknowledgements Thanks to Dr Luis Fernandez, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin for manuscript review, Mercedes Kirk and Jeanne Johnson for manuscript preparation and Mike Ledwidge, RT, RDMS, for image preparation. Introduction The number of transplant candidates on waiting lists…

The Kidneys

Renal Vascular Doppler Ultrasound Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of the kidneys, especially in patients with borderline renal function, the incidence of which is increasing. In comparison with other modalities, ultrasound has the distinct advantage of…

The Liver

Introduction There have been impressive advances recently in the application of ultrasound contrast medium to liver imaging; but these agents are not universally available. Researchers have shown the benefits of microbubble-enhanced lesion detection and characterisation. Unfortunately governing agencies across the…

Haemodialysis Access

Arteriovenous Fistulas and Synthetic Arteriovenous Grafts At the end of 2009, there were 571,414 patients being treated for end-stage renal disease in the United States with 116,395 new cases in that year ; approximately 65% of these patients received haemodialysis.…

The Aorta and Inferior Vena Cava

Doppler examination in the abdomen is associated with specific problems which are not encountered in peripheral vascular examinations and these are particularly relevant to examinations of the aorta, inferior vena cava and their associated vessels. Respiratory motion and cardiac pulsation…

The Peripheral Veins

The peripheral veins may be affected by a variety of disorders which can be assessed by ultrasound. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and thromboembolic disease are the most common indications for investigation of the peripheral veins but venous insufficiency and vein…