Abdominal ultrasound examination

Abdominal Ultrasound
» Information for patients
» What is Abdominal Ultrasound?
» Common uses of a scan
» How to prepare for the procedure
» What can be detected with an abdominal scan?

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate the:

• kidneys
• liver
• gallbladder
• pancreas
• spleen
• abdominal aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen

Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:

• abdominal pains
• inflamed appendix
• enlarged abdominal organ
• stones in the gallbladder or kidney
• an aneurysm in the aorta

Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:

• blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
• narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
• tumors and congenital malformation