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This issue of the Ultrasound Clinics is dedicated to
ultrasound imaging of the abdomen. Abdominal
ultrasound is often the first-line imaging modality
used to evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder,
pancreas, spleen, abdominal aorta, and other blood
vessels in the abdomen, and as such can be
extremely helpful in diagnosing a variety of
conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysms,
gallstones, acute cholecystitis, renal calculi, complications
of acute pancreatitis, and appendicitis.
Hence, abdominal ultrasound plays an extremely
important role in the work-up of the patient
presenting with acute abdominal pain. Doppler
ultrasound evaluation of the abdomen is also
important in evaluation of potential organ transplant
recipients as well as to assess for postoperative
complications in organ transplant. Doppler ultrasound
of the abdominal vessels is frequently used
to diagnose arterial stenoses and arterial or venous
thrombosis in patients suspected of portal or
hepatic vein thrombosis, mesenteric ischemia, or
renal artery stenosis. In many cases, the appropriate
use of abdominal ultrasound imaging can avoid the
necessity of performing more invasive and costly
procedures.
More so than any other area, ultrasound plays a crucial role in obstetric and gynecologic imaging. Because of the dangers of Ionizing radiation to a developing fetus, ultrasound provides a safe and effective way to image the pregnant patient. Included in the obstretric part of the issue are articles on imaging of fetal tumors, neural tube defects, and embryonic development. The gynecologic section reviews on imaging of adnexal torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease, and uterine myometrium. |
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