Complex ultrasound of the abdominal cavity (liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen) with CFD. Deciphering the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity Increased and reduced echogenicity of the liver on ultrasound. Acute and chronic hepatitis on ultrasound

What is an abdominal ultrasound?

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal organs is a diagnostic examination of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas using ultrasound.

During the study, the dimensions, structure, uniformity and contours of the internal organs are evaluated. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity can detect inflammation, neoplasms and other changes.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is a simple but effective study, thanks to which doctors can assess the condition of internal organs. The absolute safety of ultrasound allows its use in all areas of modern medicine. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity allows you to simply and accurately identify even the smallest change in the body.

As a rule, the abdominal ultrasound procedure itself takes no more than 20 minutes and is completely painless for patients.

When should an abdominal ultrasound be performed?

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs should be performed if the patient has symptoms such as:

pain or heaviness in the stomach and a feeling of fullness after eating,

heaviness in the right hypochondrium,

pain in the abdomen (especially in the upper section),

sharp pains in the lower abdomen,

bitterness or dryness in the mouth,

active gas formation

frequent constipation,

frequent vomiting or spitting up

preoperative preparation.

What diseases can be diagnosed by ultrasound of the abdominal cavity?

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is most often performed according to the testimony of a doctor. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity makes it possible to assess the presence and severity of the following pathologies:

the presence of stones in the gallbladder;

changes in the structure of the liver;

degeneration of liver cells into adipose tissue (liver dystrophy);

hepatitis of varying severity;

cirrhosis of the liver;

the presence of neoplasms in case of suspected oncological diseases;

a change in the state of the lymph nodes and their size, for example, if an infectious process caused by bacteria or viruses is suspected;

the presence of thickening of the walls of the gallbladder, polyps;

intestinal motility disorders, if there are pains and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;

violations in the structure of the abdominal organs and the degree of violations and damage if mechanical injuries have occurred;

Efficient equipment makes it possible to study blood flow in organs, which makes it possible to detect a number of diseases associated with the pathology of the vascular system.

How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?

For objective results of the study, proper preparation for abdominal ultrasound is of great importance.

The fact is that if, at the time of the study, gases and a large accumulation of air are present in the patient's large intestine or in another area under study, then the study itself may be difficult, and its results are distorted. In such a situation, the ultrasonic beam will simply not be able to penetrate to the required depth.

Therefore, before performing an abdominal ultrasound, it is very important to follow a special diet.

You should start a dietary diet 3 days before the study. Raw vegetables, which contain large amounts of fiber, dairy products, especially whole milk, all types of legumes, fizzy drinks, high-calorie confectionery products (cakes, pastries), rye bakery products, should be completely excluded from a nutritious diet.

If there is difficult digestion, intestinal flatulence is increased, then a few days before the study, you should start taking medications that can reduce gas formation (enzyme preparations and enterosorbents).

Directly on the day of the examination, it is necessary to exclude breakfast, as well as other meals before the examination. On the day before the ultrasound, you should eat only light food of a dietary nature.

For patients who suffer from diabetes, before an abdominal ultrasound, a small light breakfast (warm tea, dried white bread) is acceptable.

You should refrain from smoking at least one hour before the examination, as smoking causes stomach contraction, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis by the doctor.

If you are taking any medications, you should tell your doctor before the test.

Doing a cleansing enema is not required.

How is an abdominal ultrasound performed?

During the examination, the patient lies on his back. The specialist applies a clear gel to the transducer to fill the air gap between the transducer and the skin. Sometimes the patient is asked to hold their breath for a short time after taking a deep breath so that the image of the internal organs is clearer.

The abdominal ultrasound procedure is absolutely painless and safe.

Are there any contraindications and restrictions for abdominal ultrasound?

Ultrasound diagnostics has no contraindications and is prescribed even for children and women during the period of feeding and bearing a child.

Abdominal Ultrasound Results

The ultrasound doctor will inform you of the results of the ultrasound examination immediately after the diagnosis. The conclusion and all the necessary pictures are given to the patient.

You may be scheduled to visit related specialists, undergo additional tests and repeat ultrasound, and additional diagnostics (for example, MRI, biopsy, etc.)

Doctors of the MEDOC antenatal clinic network have extensive experience in performing abdominal ultrasound. Highly qualified doctors are able to identify the most minor deviations from the norm in the organs under study and prescribe timely competent treatment.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an informative, non-invasive, practically safe examination of the internal organs of a person.

The main obstacle to ultrasound is the presence of air. Therefore, the main task of preparing for an ultrasound examination is to remove all excess air from the intestines. Preparation for ultrasound is especially important for obese people, since fat is the second most important obstacle to ultrasound.

Training:

Diet:

2-3 days do not consume black bread, milk, carbonated water and drinks, vegetables, fruits, juices, confectionery, alcohol.

In the absence of contraindications, you can also take any enterosorbent (polysorb, polyphepan, "white coal", enterosgel) in a standard dosage, it is also advisable to make a cleansing enema 1.5–2 hours before the study.

The study is carried out strictly on an empty stomach (at least 6, and preferably 12 hours after a meal). For example, the pancreas in a living person is located behind the stomach, and with a full stomach, it is practically invisible on ultrasound.

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to examine parenchymal organs, as well as hollow organs filled with fluid. In the abdominal cavity, these include liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen, bile ducts. kidneys anatomically located in the retroperitoneal space, but usually they are examined together with the above abdominal organs.

The intestines and stomach are hollow organs in which air is almost always present, so it is extremely difficult to examine them. And although very good preparation of the patient for ultrasound allows partially examine the walls of the stomach and colon, these techniques are extremely complex, time-consuming and painful for patients (the colon is first completely emptied using siphon enemas, and then filled with liquid). Therefore, for the study of the intestine, a simpler and more informative method is used - colonoscopy.

Ultrasound is performed with the patient in the supine position. Sometimes the doctor asks the patient to turn on his right or left side, take a deep breath, hold his breath to get a better picture. Some patients with individual characteristics (for example, with a high position of the spleen) have to be examined while sitting or even standing.

During the ultrasound process, dimensions liver, her position, shape, ability to transmit ultrasonic waves, structure, condition of blood vessels and bile ducts, the presence of foreign inclusions(e.g. stones) shape, condition of the walls, size of the gallbladder, its position, the state of bile, the presence of foreign inclusions, structure, shape, position, ability to transmit ultrasonic waves, the state of the pancreatic duct, study condition of the biliary tract (with measurement of their lumen), portal, inferior vena cava and splenic veins. The same scheme is used to evaluate pancreas, spleen, kidney. At the end of the study, the general condition of the upper floor of the abdominal cavity is assessed.

According to the results of the ultrasound, the doctor writes a study protocol with a conclusion.

Important note. We have all seen photographs of internal organs obtained with the help of an ultrasound machine - echograms. They are not the subject of study, they are not commented on. and serve only as an additional, optional appendix to the ultrasound protocol.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an informative, non-invasive, practically safe examination of the internal organs of a person.

Training:

Diet:

2-3 days do not consume black bread, milk, carbonated water and drinks, vegetables, fruits, juices, confectionery, alcohol.

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

According to the results of the ultrasound, the doctor writes a study protocol with a conclusion.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Ultrasound of healthy abdominal organs. Abdominal hernia on ultrasound

abdominal ultrasound is a common diagnostic procedure. ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is carried out both to study diseases of certain organs, and during a preventive examination. Due to the anatomical proximity and the performance of similar functions, a disease of one organ can affect neighboring ones. For a correct assessment of the condition of the organs, the doctor must be well aware of the anatomy of the abdominal organs, their size and features. For all organs, their anatomical landmarks and habitual localization are described. However, each person is unique, so certain average organ sizes are used.

Anatomy of the abdominal organs. Ultrasound scanning of the abdominal organs

The abdominal cavity is the space located between the diaphragm and the pelvic cavity. The abdominal cavity is lined with a membrane - the peritoneum, which serves as additional protection for the abdominal organs. It separates the so-called retroperitoneal space.

The following organs are located in the abdominal cavity:

liver and gallbladder;
spleen;
small intestine ;
colon;
appendix.

In the retroperitoneal space are the kidneys, pancreas, nerve plexuses, aorta, inferior vena cava, lymph nodes and blood vessels. All organs of the retroperitoneal space are surrounded by fatty tissue. On ultrasound, the organs of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space are examined together, since the peritoneum is not visible on ultrasound.

Scanning of the abdominal organs is carried out at various positions of the ultrasound probe, but always in at least two planes - longitudinal and transverse. When clarifying some formations, oblique, intercostal and other projections are used.

When scanning the right upper part of the abdominal cavity on the screen of the ultrasound machine, you can examine the liver, gallbladder, head of the pancreas, duodenum. From the vessels here you can see the portal vein, hepatic artery, aorta and inferior vena cava. When scanning the middle upper part of the stomach, the stomach, pancreas, duodenum, aorta and its main branches are examined. The spleen is examined by scanning the left upper abdomen.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in women and men

Conducting abdominal ultrasound in men and women does not have significant features, despite the fact that actual differences in the structure of the abdominal cavity still exist. Anatomical differences lie in the fact that in women, the peritoneal cavity communicates with the external environment through the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In men, the peritoneal cavity is closed.

These differences are important in the study of the pelvic organs, since the reproductive system in men and women is built differently. The organs of the abdominal cavity are located in the same way and are approximately equal in size in both sexes. Therefore, the method of ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is the same for men and women.

Abdominal ultrasound in children newborns, children under the age of one year)

Ultrasound is a fast, affordable and safe method for examining the abdominal cavity in children. Ultrasound does not cause them pain and discomfort, so it can be performed from a very young age. For newborns, abdominal ultrasound is done in the hospital. Assessment of organs on ultrasound is carried out taking into account existing age standards.

In newborns, the abdominal organs have the following average sizes:

thickness of the right lobe of the liver - 50 mm;
gallbladder length - 20 mm;
thickness of the pancreas - 7 mm;
the length of the spleen is 40 mm.

Children during the first year of life, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is done according to certain indications. With the help of ultrasound, deviations in the development of internal organs can be detected. If the child has a lack of weight, poor appetite, frequent regurgitation, then it is recommended to conduct an ultrasound of the abdominal organs in order to find the cause of the baby's poor nutrition. At the same time, the research methodology for children does not differ from that for adults.

For older children, the indications for ultrasound are the same as for adults. As the child grows, the ultrasound characteristic and the size of the organs should correspond to the age norms. Ultrasound examination of children is best performed in pediatric institutions that specialize in childhood diseases.

How is an abdominal ultrasound read? What do the colors on an abdominal ultrasound mean?

During an ultrasound examination, an image is obtained on the monitor screen, consisting of shades of different brightness. The indicator of the brightness of these structures is called echogenicity. It corresponds to the number of ultrasonic waves reflected from the anatomical structures. The number of reflected waves depends on the density of the organ under study.

When scanning in the most common B-mode, echogenicity is described as shades of gray. The better the equipment, the more shades of gray, and hence the more echogenicity options can be described during the study. In practice, when describing structures and drawing up a conclusion, five types of echogenicity are used. This greatly simplifies the description of the ultrasound examination. The acoustic density of the liver was taken as the average value of echogenicity.

Variants of echogenicity of abdominal masses on ultrasound

Characterization of acoustic density on ultrasound	Color matching	Organs and formations of the abdominal cavity
*Anechogenicity*		Any accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Lumen of blood vessels, stomach, intestines, gallbladder.
*Hypoechogenicity*	Dark grey	Spleen, lymph nodes.
*Average echogenicity*		Liver, pancreas.
*Increased echogenicity*	light gray	The wall of blood vessels, hollow organs. spleen capsule. Adhesions of the abdominal cavity.
*Hyperechogenicity*	bright white	Gallbladder stones, pancreatic calcifications, foreign bodies.

Many formations, especially pathological ones, do not have a homogeneous echogenicity. In this case, it is described as mixed. Mixed echogenicity on ultrasound corresponds to malignant tumors. This is due to the fact that various processes are observed in them - the formation of cysts, the growth of connective tissue, necrosis and calcification.

Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the abdomen

Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the abdomen is performed separately from the study of the internal organs of the abdominal wall. This study aims to detect hernias, accumulations of fluid, tumors in the anterior abdominal wall. Since the abdominal wall has a small thickness, the study of soft tissues is carried out at a shallow depth using high-frequency sensors ( 10 MHz). The exception is overweight patients.

The anterior part of the abdominal wall consists of two rectus abdominis muscles separated in the center by a white line. The lateral part of the abdominal wall includes three layers of muscles separated by membranes - fascia. Muscles are covered by a layer of subcutaneous fat cells, dermis and epidermis.

On ultrasound, the muscles are less echogenic than the surrounding membranes, but when hernias, abscesses, or tumors appear, unusual areas between the muscle layers may appear. Depending on the content, such formations can be either anechoic or have increased echogenicity ( in case of tumor). During the study of soft tissues, the change in pathological formations during breathing is of more diagnostic value ( Valsalva test) and when changing the position of the body.

Hernia of the anterior abdominal wall on ultrasound

Hernia of the anterior abdominal wall is the exit of the contents of the abdominal cavity through the formed pathological hole in the abdominal wall. The place of hernia formation are places where the muscular skeleton of the abdominal wall is not strong enough or weakened due to weight loss, surgeries. At the same time, the structures contained in the hernial sac are wrapped in the peritoneum.

Hernias of the anterior abdominal wall are most often located in the following places:

in the midline in the upper third of the abdomen ( white line hernia);
near the umbilical ring;
in the anterolateral part of the abdomen ( hernia of the Spigelian line);
at the site of postoperative sutures.

The diagnosis of a hernia is usually established after a clinical examination. Ultrasound helps to confirm the diagnosis of a hernia, to detect them in the absence of skin protrusion. On ultrasound, the hernial orifice, the contents and dimensions of the hernial sac are clearly visible. The most dangerous complication of a hernia is its incarceration. An unstrapped hernia increases in size when coughing or taking a deep breath. This is due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.

Hernias are usually operated on in order to avoid an increase in the hernial sac and complications in the future. In addition, they cause great inconvenience to the patient. Simultaneously with the reduction of the hernia, the abdominal wall is strengthened to avoid recurrence ( repetition) its education. In children, the formation of paraumbilical hernias can be explained by age-related weakness of the abdominal wall. The reduction of hernias, the use of tight bandages and the strengthening of the muscular frame leads to self-healing of hernias in children.

Ultrasound of the liver is normal. Ultrasound diagnosis of liver diseases

Ultrasound examination of the liver and biliary tract is performed for most diseases of these organs. Ultrasound of the liver is the first among all methods of radiation diagnostics, since this research method provides almost all the necessary information without the risk of harming the patient. X-ray methods are used only under strict indications.

Ultrasound of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract is performed in the presence of the following symptoms:

pain in the right hypochondrium;
yellowness of the skin;

unjustified increase in body temperature;
stool disorders.

Using the ultrasound method, it is possible to diagnose most liver diseases, such as acute or chronic hepatitis, liver tumors, cirrhosis. Sometimes, to clarify the diagnosis, additional methods of examining the liver are used. These include computed tomography CT) or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), a diagnostic surgical operation.

Ultrasound of the liver is normal. Anatomy and signs of an ultrasound picture of the liver

The liver is a vital organ with many different functions. The most important of them are the neutralization of various toxins, the synthesis of blood proteins and glucose, bile production, hematopoiesis in the fetus. The liver is located in the right hypochondrium and consists of the left and right lobes, which are divided into relatively independent segments. The functional unit of the liver is the hepatic lobule. Blood supply and outflow of bile occurs in the region of the gate of the liver, where the so-called hepatic triad is located.

In the region of the gate of the liver, there are three anatomical formations with the following normal sizes:

portal vein, with a diameter of 0.9 to 1.4 cm;
hepatic artery having a diameter of 0.5 cm;
common bile duct, 0.7 cm in diameter.

Ultrasound scanning of the liver is performed in the upper right part of the abdominal wall. Scanning is carried out in the sagittal, transverse and oblique planes. The upper edge of the liver is located behind the ribs, so the sensor must also be placed in the intercostal spaces. The normal liver appears as a homogeneous echogenic structure, since the entire liver parenchyma is composed of hepatic lobules. The echogenicity of the liver is average, it is with its density that all other organs of the abdominal cavity are compared. In a homogeneous picture of the liver, there are also areas of hypoechogenicity corresponding to the portal vein and the venous bed of the liver. As you know, the liver veins have a larger diameter than the arteries, so they are better visible on ultrasound. During the Valsalva maneuver, the hepatic veins dilate. The Valsalva maneuver consists of trying to force an exhalation with the mouth and nose closed.

Ultrasound should also distinguish between the square and caudate lobes of the liver, which are smaller than the left and right lobes. The caudate and quadrate lobes are located in front and behind the gates of the liver. In cross section, the caudate lobe should be less than 2/3 of the right lobe of the liver. The caudate and quadrate lobes are of moderate echogenicity but can be mistaken for tumors. The gates of the liver are anechoic in the lumen of the vessels, since the liquid in their lumen completely absorbs ultrasonic vibrations.
To study the gate of the liver, the patient lies on his left side, while the sensor is located in the transverse plane.

The size of the liver in adults and children is normal

The dimensions of the liver are of great importance in the diagnosis of various diseases. Clinical examination of the patient necessarily includes the determination of its boundaries and dimensions by palpation. However, with the help of ultrasound, the size of the liver is determined much more accurately. An increase in the liver, as well as its decrease, are signs of diseases. However, when evaluating the results, large individual differences in liver size should be taken into account, which depend on hereditary factors and the composition of the patient's body.

The liver has an irregular shape, so it is measured in several places - along the midline of the body and along the midclavicular line. The median line of the body is the axis of symmetry of the body. The midclavicular line is parallel to it, but passes through the middle of the clavicle. Length ( longitudinal size of the liver) is determined from the highest point of the dome of the diaphragm to the lower edge of the liver.

Doctors use the following average liver values that correspond to the norm:

longitudinal size along the midclavicular line - 10.5 cm;
longitudinal size along the midline of the body - 8.3 cm;
anteroposterior size along the midclavicular line - 8.1 cm;
anteroposterior size along the midline - 5.7 cm.

Due to anatomical differences, the given values \u200b\u200bare allowed to deviate by 1.5 centimeters, both up and down. In children, the liver on ultrasound has the same signs as in adults, but is usually better seen due to its smaller size and thinner layer of fatty tissue.

Longitudinal size of the liver of children along the midclavicular line, depending on age

Hepatomegaly on liver ultrasound

Hepatomegaly is a condition in which the liver is enlarged. On ultrasound, a sign of hepatomegaly is the determination of its longitudinal size along the midclavicular line of more than 12 centimeters. Hepatomegaly occurs in a large number of diseases and can be caused by a large number of reasons.

Hepatomegaly is observed in the following diseases:

Acute hepatitis. Typically, acute hepatitis is also characterized by parenchymal heterogeneity, along with liver enlargement. In addition, if jaundice is present, ultrasound can detect the possible presence of an obstruction ( blockages) bile ducts.
chronic hepatitis. Violation of the outflow of bile as a result of chronic inflammatory processes leads to intoxication and death of liver cells. In this case, a homogeneous pattern of echogenicity of the liver is disturbed, since connective tissue is found in it.
Cirrhosis. This degenerative process leads to an almost complete replacement of liver tissue with connective tissue, due to which the liver practically does not perform its function. Initially, the liver is enlarged in size, but subsequently it decreases, becoming about 7 cm long along the midclavicular line.
fatty hepatosis. This liver disease is accompanied by the accumulation of fat granules in the liver cells. It is caused by a violation of the diet, eating too fatty foods, alcohol. On ultrasound, heterogeneity of the liver parenchyma appears.
Tumors of the liver. They are very diverse, therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, they often take a piece of tumor tissue and examine it under a microscope.
Heart failure. In this case, an increase in the size of the liver is caused by overcrowding of the venous bed. At the same time, the homogeneity of the parenchyma on ultrasound is preserved, but the expansion of the portal vein is determined.

Thus, to establish the exact causes of hepatomegaly, it is necessary to have complete information about the patient. Ultrasound of the liver helps to exclude some diseases, but for proper treatment, a full analysis of all diagnostic data is needed.

Increased and decreased echogenicity of the liver on ultrasound. Acute and chronic hepatitis on ultrasound

Normal echogenicity of the liver is homogeneous. This allows us to consider it as a standard and compare it with the density of the structures of other abdominal organs. A change in the echogenicity of the liver indicates changes in its cellular structure. This sign is of the greatest importance in the detection of liver diseases using ultrasound.

Diffuse changes in liver echogenicity are observed in the following diseases:

acute and chronic hepatitis;
cirrhosis of the liver;
multiple abscesses;
tumor metastases in the liver.

Acute hepatitis is a viral disease that occurs as a foodborne infection. In acute hepatitis, intoxication of the body is observed, in some cases jaundice, fever, nausea. Acute hepatitis ends with a complete recovery of the patient, but in some cases it becomes chronic. On ultrasound, the characteristic signs of acute hepatitis are an increase in the liver and spleen, a slight increase in the echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma. Lymph nodes at the gates of the liver are enlarged. The gallbladder is empty because the liver temporarily reduces bile production, and has thickened walls due to inflammatory edema.

Chronic hepatitis is caused by a viral infection transmitted through the blood. The long course of chronic hepatitis is characterized by an asymptomatic course, but in most cases leads to cirrhosis or the formation of malignant liver tumors. The roughness of the liver pattern on ultrasound depends on the duration of the course of chronic hepatitis and the presence of exacerbations. Chronic hepatitis is distinguished by a slight expansion of the portal vein ( more than 15 mm in diameter) and a pronounced lobular pattern of the hepatic parenchyma. It is explained by the compaction of the connective tissue located between the lobules of the liver. In a healthy liver, the connective tissue is very thin and not visible on ultrasound.

Liver cirrhosis on ultrasound

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by replacement of the liver parenchyma with fibrous tissue. This occurs as a result of various factors, but always leads to the same outcome - complete liver failure. To prevent cirrhosis of the liver, treatment of liver disease at an earlier stage is required.

Signs of liver cirrhosis on ultrasound are:

spotted structure of the parenchyma;
increased echogenicity of the parenchyma;
liver capsule defects discontinuity);
lobulation of the parenchyma;
hepatomegaly, and in the late stage - a decrease in the size of the liver;
expansion of the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava;
no change in the lumen of the hepatic veins during breathing;
enlargement of the spleen;
ascites ( accumulation of free fluid in the abdomen).

Liver cirrhosis is an irreversible condition and requires liver transplantation to treat it. To prolong the life of a patient with cirrhosis, a diet and drugs are used that protect liver cells from destruction.

Expansion of the portal vein. portal hypertension. Ascites ( accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) on ultrasound

Blood enters the liver through two vessels - portal ( gate) vein and hepatic artery. The portal vein is a vessel into which the venous blood flow flows from all organs of the abdominal cavity. Passing through the filtration in the liver, venous blood through the hepatic veins enters the inferior vena cava and is sent to the heart.

For liver disease ( such as chronic hepatitis) liver cells die and are replaced by connective tissue. This leads to obstruction of blood flow in the liver, due to which pressure increases in the portal vein and it expands. This phenomenon is called portal hypertension. Without eliminating the factor that caused the death of hepatocytes ( liver cells) is not amenable to treatment.

Signs of a portal ( gate) hypertension on ultrasound of the liver are:

expansion of the portal vein more than 11 mm inside the liver and more than 15 mm outside the liver;
lack of variation in the lumen of the portal vein during respiration and the Valsalva maneuver;
dilation and rigidity of the veins draining into the portal vein ( gastric, mesenteric);
blood flow velocity in the portal vein on duplex ultrasound with color Doppler mapping ( CDE) decreases to 10 cm/s ( normally is 18 - 20 cm / s).

In severe cases, portal hypertension causes very unpleasant symptoms. The first of these is the redirection of venous blood flow. Venous blood begins to circulate not through the liver, but through superficial veins located in the skin. The blue swollen veins look like a "jellyfish head" when viewed from the abdomen. Expansion of the veins of the esophagus threatens to rupture and internal bleeding. The most difficult complication of portal hypertension is ascites.

Ascites is the release of free fluid from the venous circulation into the abdominal cavity. Its volume can be up to 25 liters. On ultrasound, ascites appears as a large anechoic area with rare echogenic inclusions. This fluid can spontaneously become infected, but even removing it does not bring relief, as it is formed again. For treatment, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of liver damage or perform a liver transplant.

Local changes in the liver tissue on ultrasound. Tumors and cysts of the liver on ultrasound

On ultrasound of the liver, local changes of various echogenicity can be detected. They can be of various shapes and sizes. For a confident difference between them, you need to have complete blood count data, as well as, if necessary, conduct additional studies.

Local changes in the liver on ultrasound can be explained by the following structures:

Liver cysts. These are cavities in the liver tissue, which are anechoic structures of a dark color. They can be congenital or acquired as a result of inflammatory or infectious processes.
Aneurysm of the renal artery. It is a congenital enlargement of the renal artery. On ultrasound, it looks like an anechoic area.
Liver abscess. The accumulation of pus in the liver tissue, which may be heterogeneous in structure, from hypoechoic to hyperechoic.
local fatty infiltration hepatosis). Represents areas where the liver tissue has areas of fatty inclusions. Most often they are located at the gates of the liver and have a hypoechoic coloration on ultrasound.
Tumors of the liver ( carcinoma, adenoma, hemangioma and others). Tumors of the liver have a different characteristic on ultrasound. They can be either hypoechoic or hyperechoic. Malignant tumors often have irregular borders and may invade the hilar region of the liver or neighboring organs.
Stones and calcifications. They can occur both inside the liver and in the excretory hepatic duct. They look like hyperechoic formations and leave behind an acoustic shadow. An acoustic shadow is a place where ultrasonic waves do not penetrate due to the high density of the stone itself.

For differentiation ( differences) of the listed formations, additional studies may be required. For tumors, only tissue biopsy and their microscopy can be considered a reliable diagnostic method. Despite this, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are more informative methods in the diagnosis of liver tumors.

Ultrasound of the gallbladder and bile ducts

The gallbladder is considered part of the liver due to its anatomical proximity and shared function. The gallbladder helps the liver perform its digestive function. However, diseases of the gallbladder stand out in a separate group and are treated independently. It should be borne in mind that diseases of the gallbladder very often lead to various disorders of the liver. Inflammation from the gallbladder easily passes to the liver, as they suddenly adjoin closely to each other. The presence of stones in the gallbladder leads to the fact that the liver cells are affected by the components of bile.

Ultrasound can be used to diagnose many diseases of the gallbladder. The most common among them are cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, polyps. Ultrasound is the main method for diagnosing gallbladder conditions due to its high availability and information content. Dyskinesia ( emptying disorders) of the gallbladder can be diagnosed by ultrasound with a food load.

Ultrasound of a healthy gallbladder

The gallbladder is located under the liver, on its lower surface. This is a hollow organ that is a collector of bile. The liver produces bile almost constantly, but it enters the gastrointestinal tract only when necessary by contracting the muscular wall of the gallbladder. It occurs during meals. All the time between meals, bile accumulates in the gallbladder.

An ultrasound of the gallbladder is performed, like an ultrasound of the liver, with the patient positioned on his back or on his left side. The examination of the gallbladder must be carried out very carefully so as not to miss the presence of gallstones in the bladder. The gallbladder is a hollow organ, so on ultrasound it is anechoic, that is, dark black in color. However, the wall of the gallbladder, consisting of muscles and connective tissue, on ultrasound looks like a clear hyperechoic rim of a light bright color. The gallbladder is pear-shaped in transverse sections and oval in longitudinal view.

Ultrasound of the bile ducts and common bile duct is normal

The bile ducts constitute a certain closed system. The right and left hepatic ducts exit from the right and left lobes of the liver. They unite in the common hepatic duct. A tortuous cystic duct approaches it. The hepatic and cystic ducts join to form the common bile duct. Outside of food intake, bile flows from the hepatic duct to the gallbladder, and from there to the gastrointestinal tract.

The hepatic ducts are visualized on close examination as thin anechoic strips. The common bile duct is measured in the longitudinal plane anterior to the right branch of the inferior vena cava. Its normal diameter is up to 4 mm. With age, the diameter of the duct increases to 10 mm. When the gallbladder is removed, the lumen of the duct also becomes wider.

The size of the gallbladder in adults and children is normal

The change in the size of the gallbladder is sensitive to the violation of its function. Therefore, with an ultrasound examination, doctors must determine its size. They are dependent on food intake, so it is very important to inform the doctor about the time of the last meal. The length of the gallbladder in adults is from 10 to 12 cm, and the width is 4 to 5 centimeters. The thickness of the wall of the gallbladder is determined in the area that is adjacent to the liver. The average wall thickness should not exceed 3 mm. If it has a large thickness, this indicates inflammation or pathological formation.

In children, the size of the gallbladder depends on age. The research method and ultrasound picture of the gallbladder in children does not differ from the image of the gallbladder on ultrasound in adults. However, the last meal before the study in young children may not be taken 6 hours before, as in adults, but 3 to 4 hours.

The average length of the gallbladder in children

Ultrasound of the gallbladder with a food load ( trial breakfast)

Ultrasound of the gallbladder is the only method to assess its condition without interfering with the internal environment of the body. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to assess the functional state of the organ. It lies in the ability of the gallbladder wall to contract after eating, releasing bile into the small intestine. Sometimes problems with the gallbladder are detected only after eating, and at rest they are normal. To assess the functional state of the organ, a special ultrasound method is used - ultrasound of the gallbladder with a food load.

First, a routine examination of the gallbladder and biliary tract is performed. It is assumed that the patient followed the diet correctly and ate food for the last time 8 hours before the study. The doctor measures the dimensions of the organ, which should be 12 cm long and 2–4 cm wide. The wall thickness is up to 3 mm.
The study is carried out in at least two positions - lying on the back and on the side.

After that, the patient eats two eggs brought with him, kefir or sour cream with high fat content. This is done in order for the gallbladder to contract and secrete bile, which is known to occur in response to eating foods containing fat ( including cholesterol.). Ultrasound is repeated 10, 25 and 50 minutes after eating. With each study, the dimensions of the organ are measured. Normally, the gallbladder should decrease by 60 - 70% after 50 minutes, that is, its length should be about 5.5 cm.

During ultrasound of the gallbladder with a food load, the following parameters are evaluated:

the rate of bile secretion;
the degree of contraction of the walls of the gallbladder;
the tone of the sphincter of Oddi, located between the bile duct and the duodenum.

Ultrasound of the gallbladder with a food load allows the diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia. This allows for timely treatment that prevents diseases of the gallbladder, liver and the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Biliary dyskinesia ( JWP)

Biliary dyskinesia is a dysmotility of the biliary tract. Normally, bile should be secreted with any meal. If bile is not secreted, then other organs of the gastrointestinal tract suffer because of this, and the body does not absorb all the necessary elements from food, primarily essential fatty acids. JVP is accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium associated with eating, periodic nausea, bitterness in the mouth.

The following factors are responsible for the development of JVP:

various diseases of the gallbladder ( e.g. cholecystitis);
violation of the nervous regulation of bile secretion.

Ultrasound usually reveals symptoms of gallbladder diseases that cause it. Most often, stones in the form of hyperechoic structures are found in the gallbladder. In the absence of symptoms of diseases, ultrasound with a food load is performed and the vegetative nature of dyskinesia is established. Neurogenic biliary dyskinesia can lead to many diseases, such as cholecystitis, cholelithiasis. For successful treatment, it is necessary to establish the cause of dyskinesia and act on it. Usually, a special diet and choleretic drugs are used to treat JVP.

Cholelithiasis ( cholelithiasis) on abdominal ultrasound

Gallstone disease is a disease in which various kinds of stones form in the gallbladder. Stones may consist of cholesterol, bilirubin, calcium salts. The disease is very common, occurs in 10% of the population, and in women several times more often than in men. In the formation of stones in the gallbladder, dietary habits, namely fatty and protein-rich foods, play an important role.

The formation of gallstones for a long time may not cause any symptoms, but over time increases the risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder. The ingress of a stone into the biliary tract leads to a violation of the outflow of bile, severe pain, obstructive jaundice and requires surgical treatment.

Stones can look different on ultrasound. This largely depends on their size and composition. The advantage of ultrasonography is that nascent stones in the form of sediment can be detected with the help of ultrasound and preventive measures can be taken.

On ultrasound, the following signs of gallstone disease are determined:

Sediment of crystals of cholesterol and bilirubin. It is an echogenic homogeneous mass that shifts when the position of the patient's body changes. It is distinguished from the formed stones by the absence of an acoustic shadow.
Sand. It is a collection of grainy echoes that are more echogenic than sediment. It can also move relative to the wall of the gallbladder during body movement.
Single stone. It is a dense hyperechoic formation. It leaves behind an acoustic shadow - a completely black area where ultrasonic waves do not penetrate.
"Stone" gallbladder. As a result of the progression of gallstone disease, the entire gallbladder is filled with stones. Visualization of individual stones is difficult, since together they give a dense acoustic shadow.

Very often, ultrasound can reveal several different signs of gallstone disease ( e.g. sand and stone). In this case, doctors note a complex echostructure, including signs of both formations. Gallstone disease is dangerous because it leads to various complications, including cholecystitis, hydrops of the gallbladder, cholestasis ( congestion of bile in the gallbladder and liver).

Cholecystitis on ultrasound of the gallbladder

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the wall of the gallbladder and most often manifests itself in cholelithiasis. In case of violation of the outflow of bile, pathogenic microorganisms are activated that cause inflammation. Cholecystitis, depending on the duration of the development of pathological processes, can be acute and chronic.

Acute cholecystitis occurs with severe pain symptoms and is called hepatic colic. Ultrasound reveals layering and thickening of the walls of the gallbladder, and a stone is found in the lumen of the bile ducts, due to which pain and inflammation appear. The gallbladder increases in size because bile has no outflow tract and accumulates in the gallbladder, stretching it. Free fluid may be found near the bladder.

Chronic cholecystitis occurs without blockage of the biliary tract, the pain is dull and unstable. Sometimes the process can become aggravated and take place like acute hepatic colic. In chronic cholecystitis, a large accumulation of stones in the gallbladder is found, a limited or diffuse thickening of the walls of the bladder caused by pathogenic microflora. Sometimes with a long course of chronic cholecystitis, a decrease in the size of the bladder, its wrinkling, is found. The walls may have increased echogenicity due to the deposition of calcium salts ( the so-called "porcelain" gallbladder). The prognosis in this case is unfavorable, the disease can lead to cancer.

Treatment of cholecystitis is usually surgical. Conservative treatment is not always effective, therefore, with repeated exacerbations, a laparoscopic operation is performed to remove the gallbladder. This makes a small incision up to 5 cm in length) of the anterior abdominal wall and removal of the gallbladder under the control of a special intra-abdominal camera. Without a gallbladder, it is recommended to follow a certain diet, however, its absence does not affect the quality of life.

Gallbladder polyps on ultrasound

Gallbladder polyps are growths of the mucous membrane of the gallbladder that protrude into its lumen. They usually do not cause symptoms and do not lead to complications. Polyps are found by chance during an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.

When conducting an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, the size and shape of the pancreas are always examined. Great attention is paid to the structure of the pancreas. The study of the pancreas is of particular importance, since its diseases indicate serious disorders in the entire gastrointestinal tract. Pancreatic diseases that can be diagnosed on ultrasound include acute and chronic pancreatitis, tumors, cysts, and congenital anomalies.

Ultrasound of a healthy pancreas

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. In the structure of the pancreas, the head and tail are distinguished. The head is located slightly to the left of the axis of symmetry of the human body, it is surrounded by the duodenum. The tail of the pancreas is to the left, higher and stretches to the root of the spleen. Between the head and tail, the body of the pancreas is isolated. The ducts, through which digestive enzymes enter the gastrointestinal tract, open together with the common bile duct into the duodenum.

The pancreas is examined in the upper longitudinal and transverse plane of the abdominal cavity. Ultrasound of the pancreas is performed with a slight pressure of the sensor, which normally should not cause unpleasant pain. With deep palpation, the organ is mobile, elastic consistency. If the pancreas is air-occluded, 500 ml of liquid may be drunk in small sips to improve visualization.

On ultrasound, the pancreas is a narrow, oblong, S-shaped organ bounded by the duodenum and spleen. Normally, it has a homogeneous structure on ultrasound, slightly more echogenic compared to the liver. The echogenicity of the pancreas is increased in the elderly. Changes in echogenicity are due to fatty inclusions in the cells of the pancreas, which is observed during aging of the body.

The size of the pancreas is normal

The pancreas is small but oblong in shape. The dimensions of the pancreas are measured in the longitudinal and transverse planes. The vessels of the upper floor of the abdominal cavity are used as landmarks. For example, the head of the pancreas is measured at the inferior vena cava. The head is 25–30 mm in diameter, the body is 15–20 mm, and the tail is about 10 mm.

The pancreatic duct appears as a tubular structure with echogenic walls. The duct is wider in the region of the head and decreases towards the tail of the pancreas. The pancreatic duct has a diameter of 2 - 3 mm, and in the end part - 1.5 mm. Sometimes the diameter of the duct increases to 1 mm during a deep breath.

Acute pancreatitis on ultrasound

Acute pancreatitis is a disease in which pancreatic tissue is destroyed by its own enzymes. In acute pancreatitis, premature activation of digestive enzymes, damage and necrosis of liver cells occurs. Acute pancreatitis in the vast majority of cases is associated with alcohol intake. Less commonly, acute pancreatitis is caused by diseases of the biliary tract, poisoning, or trauma.

Acute pancreatitis is a dangerous disease that can lead to a rapid death. In acute pancreatitis, there are complaints of severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Ultrasound is not the only, but informative method for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.

In acute pancreatitis on ultrasound, the following signs are noted:

an increase in the size of the pancreas;
decreased echogenicity of pancreatic tissue;
anechoic inclusions, which are areas of necrosis or hemorrhage;
expansion of the pancreatic duct;
there may be swelling or free fluid in the pancreatic tissue ( anechoic cavities).

In acute pancreatitis, diseases of the biliary tract can be detected if they were the determining cause. Treatment of acute pancreatitis is carried out in accordance with the severity of the patient's condition. Medical starvation and drugs that reduce pancreatic secretion are used, but in severe cases, surgical treatment is performed.

Chronic pancreatitis on ultrasound

Chronic pancreatitis is a lesion of the pancreatic tissue, occurring on the basis of long-acting factors. In this case, the pancreas shrinks, functional cells die, cavities, stones and scars form in it. Chronic pancreatitis is very often associated with chronic cholecystitis, duodenal ulcer and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Signs of chronic pancreatitis on ultrasound are:

reduction in the size of the pancreas or normal size;
hyperechoic structure of irregular shape;
uneven edges of the contour of the pancreas;
the presence of cysts in the form of anechoic structures;
fossils in the form of rounded hyperechoic structures with acoustic shadowing;
expansion of the pancreatic duct more than 3 mm.

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis should be complex, together with the treatment of the entire gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, abdominal ultrasound is a very convenient study, as it provides information about the state of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and intestines.

Diabetes mellitus on abdominal ultrasound

Diabetes mellitus is a hormonal disease that affects the part of the pancreas that produces insulin. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus should be carried out as early as possible in order to start insulin replacement therapy on time. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is not used to diagnose diabetes mellitus, since blood sugar indicators are more important. In addition, changes in the pancreatic tissue characteristic of diabetes mellitus appear only after a long course of the disease.

At the onset of diabetes mellitus, an ultrasound scan reveals a pancreas with a normal internal structure. Its dimensions are slightly increased. These changes do not allow for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus based on ultrasound scans. With a long course of diabetes mellitus, certain dystrophic changes in the structure of the pancreas are revealed.

Ultrasound reveals the following signs of damage to the pancreas by diabetes mellitus during its long course:

reduction in the size of the organ;
heterogeneous echogenicity of the pancreas;
the appearance of growths of connective tissue - sclerosis;
the presence of hypoechoic fatty inclusions in the tissues of the gland - lipomatosis.

Diabetes can be successfully controlled with medication and proper nutrition. Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent the development of complications of diabetes mellitus, including damage to the kidneys, blood vessels, and the nervous system.

Cysts and tumors of the pancreas

The most common local changes in the pancreas are cysts and tumors of the pancreas. They can be both congenital and acquired. Cysts and tumors accompany both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Tumors can be benign, not posing a threat to the body, and malignant, which are dangerous for metastasis and destruction of internal organs.

Cysts on ultrasound look like anechoic formations. They are a cavity in the pancreatic tissue, bounded by an epithelial wall. The content of pancreatic cysts is blood, a serous fluid containing enzymes. Sometimes stones can be found in it. Cysts in chronic pancreatitis are up to 4 mm in size. Tumors, both benign and malignant, may include cysts.

Pancreatic carcinoma is the sixth most common malignant tumor in the human body. Ultrasound is traditionally considered the usual study for the diagnosis of this disease, however, ultrasound is not effective in 100% of cases. Difficulties lie in its detection and difference from benign tumors. X-ray methods are also used to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma ( CT scan), laboratory diagnostics of blood.

Carcinoma on ultrasound creates protrusions in the contour of the pancreas. It is a uniform echogenic formation. Aggressive infiltrative growth is indicated by peripheral outgrowths of carcinoma. When germinating into the surrounding vessels, we can confidently talk about the malignancy of the tumor. With color Doppler imaging, increased blood flow around the tumor can be seen.

Content

Proper diagnosis of the disease is already halfway to its cure, which is why it is so important to use modern and fast methods in this process. So, if the organs in the abdominal cavity are disturbed, an ultrasound examination is a procedure that cannot be dispensed with. Find out what signs of possible diseases the analysis can show.

What is included in an abdominal ultrasound

This type of diagnostics is used very widely today, because the abdominal cavity contains the internal organs of a person responsible for various functions of the body. With ultrasound of the OBP, they examine:

gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach, intestines;
pancreas;
lymphatic organs: spleen, abdominal lymph nodes;
gallbladder;
liver;
retroperitoneal space: kidneys and adrenal glands, abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava;
urinary organs: ureters and bladder, prostate gland in men, uterus and appendages in women.

With the help of ultrasound, a doctor can quickly obtain detailed information about the state of the organ in question, and for the patient, such manipulations are painless and harmless. Deciphering the data of this study helps to timely identify various pathologies that have begun to develop in the body, for example:

organ cyst;
single or multiple abscesses;
swelling in the abdomen;
fluid in the abdominal cavity;
malformations of the fetus during pregnancy.

The size of the spleen is normal

The main reason when a doctor examines this organ in detail is its enlargement. Ultrasound of the spleen should also be done if the patient had an abdominal injury and there is a suspicion of its rupture and internal bleeding. The doctor needs to evaluate:

Do the contour and dimensions of the organ differ from the norm, which for adults are:
- thickness - 4-5 cm;
- width - 6-8 cm;
- length - 11-12 cm.
Calculate the area of the spleen; for this characteristic, indicators from 15.5 to 23.5 square meters are considered normal. cm.
Are there neoplasms and tissue damage.
How is it located relative to adjacent organs.

What does an ultrasound of the stomach show?

Such a study is often prescribed not only if the patient complains of pain in the organ, but also as a preventive measure for the timely detection of an incipient disease or to evaluate the results of the treatment. When deciphering the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, close attention is paid to data on the state of the stomach, because with such a diagnosis it is possible to identify:

hiatal hernia;
esophagitis - an inflammatory disease of the esophageal mucosa;
gastroesophageal reflux disease;
tumors;
if necessary, detect foreign bodies.

Although this type of diagnosis in certain cases will not replace an endoscopic or x-ray examination, a doctor cannot do without it when monitoring the chronic course of certain diseases, for example, gastritis or peptic ulcer. When decoding ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract in a quick and painless way, determine:

swelling of the walls of the organ and the lack of delimitation of the wall;
stomach ulcer;
enlarged due to varicose veins;
diffuse neoplastic wall thickening;
pyloric stenosis - congenital or acquired;
gastric carcinoma ;
lymphoma and other dangerous diseases.

Normal size of the liver on ultrasound in adults

This organ consists of two unequal lobes, and normally it should have a homogeneous echostructure and be interrupted only by the portal vein and branches of this blood vessel.
An important criterion that is paid attention to in the diagnosis is the compliance of the liver with such parameters defined for adult patients:

length:
- glands - 14-18 cm;
- right lobe - 11-15 cm;
size in diameter - 20-22.5 cm;
right lobe, oblique vertical size - up to 15 cm;
the height of the left lobe - up to 10 cm;
sagittal size - from 9 to 12 cm;
share thickness:
- right - up to 12.5 cm;
- left - up to 7 cm.

What does a liver ultrasound show? If, when deciphering the results, an increase is indicated, this clearly indicates the development of pathological processes in it, for example, cirrhosis or hepatitis. Also an important indicator is that the shape of the lower angle of the organ should be pointed: in the region of the left lobe - no more than 45 degrees, in the right - no more than 75 degrees. When diagnosing, you need to pay attention to the visualization of the vessels passing through the liver, because one of the main functions of the gland is blood filtration.

An ultrasound examination looks at the structure of the liver and how clear and even the contours of the organ are, whether the sound conductivity of the gland is good. Deviations in the values of these parameters always indicate the presence of problems in the work of the body. So, if during the diagnosis an increased density is visible, we can talk about diffuse changes and dysfunction of this natural filter. With ultrasound diagnostics, it is possible to consider calcifications in the liver - deposits of calcium salts that have arisen after the patient has suffered serious diseases.

What does an ultrasound of the kidneys show?

These paired bean-shaped organs perform the function of cleansing the body of harmful substances by removing them together with a human waste product - urine. Deciphering the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity always includes their parameters such as structure, shape, location. The right kidney should be placed slightly lower than the left, and the difference in their sizes should not exceed 2 cm. Normal for an adult are such figures characterizing the parameters of these urinary organs:

length - 10-12 cm;
kidney thickness - 4-5 cm;
width - 5-6 cm;
parenchyma thickness - up to 2.3 cm.

With ultrasound of the kidneys, such violations in their functioning can be detected:

anomalies of blood vessels: narrowing of the renal artery, the appearance of additional veins;
the formation of kidney stones;
chronic pyelonephritis - the process of inflammation of the tissues of the organ, which leads to a violation of the normal outflow of urine;
expansion of the renal pelvis - pyelectasis;
cyst;
tumors: benign or malignant.

Gallbladder size, normal in adults

This pear-shaped organ is located at the bottom of the liver in a separate recess and is closed by the peritoneum from the side of the abdominal cavity. It collects bile produced by the liver, and then regulates its supply to the digestive tract. Deciphering the ultrasound of the gallbladder gives an idea of its shape, size, condition of the walls, volume and internal contents. For adult patients, the following indicators are considered normal, identified during the examination:

the distance from the bottom of the bubble to the narrowest lobe is 6-10 cm;
organ width - up to 5 cm;
wall thickness - does not exceed 4 mm;
the volume varies from 30 to 50 ml.

common bile duct

When deciphering the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, attention should be paid to the data on this tubular formation, which doctors also call choledoch. The length of the bile duct can vary from 2 to 12 cm. The inner diameter of the common bile duct in different parts of this formation can be from 2 to 8 mm. The doctor needs to consider whether this value does not exceed 8 mm in the widest part of the formation. By deciphering the ultrasound diagnosis of the common bile duct, a specialist can see the stones formed in it and establish a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis.

Ultrasound of the pancreas

The importance of examining this organ is explained by the fact that insulin is synthesized in it, and timely noticed deviations in its work make it possible to take measures to prevent serious pathological changes in the body. When deciphering the research data, you need to pay attention not only to the size of the pancreas, but also to its echogenicity (image brightness) and the clarity of the contours. All parts of the gland should be well visualized on the screen:

head - normally its thickness does not exceed 3.2 cm;
organ body - up to 2.5 cm;
tail - up to 3.0 cm.

The uzist should carefully examine the diameter of the Wirsung duct. This indicator should normally be 1.5-2 mm, and in response to the introduction of intravenous secretin, expand to 2.5-5 mm. The expansion of the Wirsung duct or the lack of response to the intake of this hormone indicates the development of an inflammatory process - pancreatitis. Often, deformations in this zone occur during the development of a tumor of the head of the pancreas. An experienced doctor will be able to see abscesses, areas of necrosis and the presence of stones that clog the ducts with an ultrasound examination of the organ.

How to decipher the results of an ultrasound

An independent analysis of ultrasound data for a person without special medical education in the vast majority of cases will not reveal a clear picture of his state of health. A complete and accurate interpretation of the abdominal ultrasound should be carried out either by the ultrasound doctor or by the attending doctor who referred the patient for such an analysis.