Diagnostic Information for Medical Sonography
Medical sonography, also called ultrasound, is used to diagnose illnesses, evaluate certain conditions and as a guide for some surgical procedures. An image is produced by using high-frequent sound waves.
Pregnancy
Sonography is used during pregnancy to evaluate and monitor the growth of your fetus. Measurements are taken to confirm the gestational age, determine the size of your fetus and its position in the uterus, and evaluate the placenta. It can also alert your doctor to any abnormalities or multiple pregnancies. Typically, a sonogram is performed when you are at 20 weeks, but it may be done earlier or later in the pregnancy.
Internal Organs
Sonography of the abdomen is used to evaluate the condition of your liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, abdominal aorta or pancreas. It may be useful in the diagnosis of enlarged organs, liver function, gallstone or kidney stones, or an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. An aneurysm is a weakness in a blood vessel that results in a ballooning (expanding) in that segment of the vessel.
Heart and Blood Vessels
A sonogram can determine problems with your heart and blood vessels. Blood clots can be seen as well as narrowed blood vessels. Echocardiograms are ultrasounds used to evaluate the flow of blood in your heart and your blood vessels. It can measure how fast the blood is moving through your heart and checks the heart valves for leaking. Sometimes, a sonogram is combined with a treadmill stress test to determine if there is narrowing of your arteries. Another test involves a small sonogram camera that is passed through your esophagus to see the back of your heart.
Biopsies
Sonography is often used when performing a biopsy to help guide the surgeon to the location of the tissue sample to be taken, such as in a breast needle biopsy. Four types of biopsies are often done with ultrasound guidance. These include fine needle aspiration, where fluid is withdrawn from the suspect area; core needle biopsy, where a sample of tissue is removed for diagnosis; wire localization, where a guiding wire is placed in the abnormal area to assist with a surgical biopsy; and vacuum-assisted device, where an instrument is used that is able to withdraw multiple samples of tissue with just one insertion.
Scrotum and Prostate Abnormalities
Sonography of the scrotum or prostate is used to determine the causes of problems of the testes, such as swelling and pain. It may show problems such as testicular torsion, an undescended or absent testicle, inflammation of the scrotum, tumor or abnormal blood vessels. The prostate is examined by using a transrectal ultrasound, where a probe is placed in your rectum. It can help in diagnosing the cause of urination problems, abnormal blood test results or a nodule that your doctor may have noticed during a routine physical exam.
Other Purposes
Sonograms of the thyroid gland may be used to diagnose a poorly functioning thyroid or lump. Transvaginal ultrasound (a probe inserted into your vagina) is used to examine your uterus and ovaries. Sonography is also helpful in examination of your bladder to diagnose problems such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary tract infections and other dysfunctions of your bladder.
Tags: your heart, abdominal aorta, abnormal blood, blood vessels, blood vessels, Diagnostic Information
