ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound imaging or sonography is a non-invasive means to obtain diagnostic images from within the body using high frequency sound waves. Reflected ultrasound echoes generate a real-time image which is displayed on a screen. No ionizing radiation is involved whatsoever. Common applications include abdominal imaging, obstetric scanning and evaluation of the breasts and other soft tissue regions such as the thyroid and scrotum.

Modern high-resolution units can perform musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations for the specialized imaging of muscles, joints and ligaments. Doppler ultrasound techniques allow flow imaging and facilitate evaluation of the heart and blood vessels. The real-time nature of ultrasound also facilitates visually guided biopsies and other minimally-invasive procedures.

Limitations include the inability to penetrate bone and to pass through air-filled structures. Evaluation of the lungs, stomach or intestines is therefore generally not possible. Attenuation of deep echoes can also be problematic, for example in cases of obesity.
Best results may require the patient to prepare for the examination. Generally, abdominal scans require that the patient not eat or drink for as many as 12 hours prior to their appointment. Pelvic exams require a full bladder.