Ultrasound

Ultrasound scanning also called “ultrasound imaging” or “sonography” is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a live image. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow.

Ultrasounds are used for a variety of reasons, one of the most common being during pregnancy to obtain pictures of a baby in the womb. Other common exams include:

• Abdomen
• Abdominal Doppler
• Pelvis
• Renal transplant
• Testicular
• Thyroid
• Transvaginal
• Evaluation of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and blood vessels of the abdomen
• Rule out masses and aneurysms

There are a number of specialized exams ultrasounds are used for:

• Extensive diagnostic OB
• Thyroid biopsies
• Liver biopsies
• Soft tissue biopsies

Because ultrasounds provide real-time images, they can also be used to:

• Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing.
• Help a physician determine the source of abdominal pain, such as stones in the gallbladder or appendix, or an inflamed appendix.
• Help identify the cause of enlargement of the abdominal organ.

Doppler Ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound study that is used in the examination of major blood vessels. These images can help the physician to see and evaluate:

• Blockages to blood flow, such as clots.
• Build-up of plaque inside the vessel.
• Congenital malformations.

With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow gained from ultrasound imaging, the physician often can determine whether you are a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.