Understanding Abdominal Health with Ultrasound Imaging
An ultrasound whole abdomen is a popular modality to evaluate a range of abdominal symptoms and conditions. It is a non-invasive imaging test that checks for urinary bladder, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and other abdominal structures. To create images, high-frequency sound waves are used to help detect abnormalities such as gallstones, renal calculi, cysts, tumors, fatty liver or free fluid in the abdomen. The evaluation includes asseement of organ size, shape, echotexture, and the presence of any focal lesions or ductal dilatation. Ultrasound whole abdomen test may be recommended when a person has persistent or unexplained abdominal pain, swelling, bloating or other symptoms. It may also be advised when blood tests or other investigations indicate a possible problem that needs further evaluation. How does an ultrasound whole abdomen work? During the examination, the patient usually lies on an examination table. A special water-based gel is applied to the skin o...