Ultrasound

Normal results: Normal results in ultrasound imaging suggest that the organ under investigation appears to be in a healthy state in the images obtained.

Abnormal results:

Abnormal images are captured when some sort of structural or functional anomalies are found in an organ. The following things can be identified in an ultrasound image, depending on the tissue under observation:

• Kidney stones and gallbladder stones
• Cysts, fibroids or tumours in ovaries, uterus and other pelvic tissues
• A change in the tissues of the heart, suggesting an old heart attack
• An abnormal finding in the abdominal cavity, suggesting stomach, liver or pancreas issues.
• Breast lumps, cysts and tumours

Ultrasound imaging provides basic information about abnormalities present in an organ. The findings can be confirmatory, or further investigations may be needed using other techniques, such as a computerised tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging or a biochemical investigation, to confirm the diagnosis.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. This information is provided from a purely educational perspective and is in no way a substitute for medical advice from a qualified doctor.

An ultrasound examination generally takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type of ultrasound advised. Patient is made to lie on a table, and a gel is applied over the area under investigation. This ensures smooth gliding of the transducer on the skin.

A handheld transducer will be moved over that area for which imaging is carried out. As it moves, it sends signals which are recorded by a radiologist and an assistant on the computer screen.

The report is handed over to the patient within a few minutes of the imaging.

Ultrasound imaging is regarded as a safe technique, although the procedure involves an increase in tissue temperature and some mechanical changes due to sound waves and pressure exerted. Hence, in case of repeated exposures to ultrasound, it is advisable that the radiologists weigh the risk involved.

The test is simple and does not require any special preparation. For hospitalised and weak patients, portable bedside ultrasound units are available. Ambulatory patients can walk into radiology centres for undergoing an ultrasound. Some patients may be advised to drink water and avoid urinating before an ultrasound to ensure that the bladder is full. This helps get better and more clear images. If a patient has a biopsy scheduled in the morning, he or she is advised not to drink water or have food after midnight for the ultrasound examination.

One will be given loose clothing, such as a gown, to be worn during the study and will be advised to leave any jewellery out of the room during imaging. Patient is expected to share allergy details with the physician and the radiologist before undergoing ultrasound imaging.

A diagnostic ultrasound examination provides images of organs, and it can be used as a tool to diagnose any structural or functional abnormalities in body organs. The commonest use of an ultrasound examination is during pregnancy to study foetal development. Several other organs, such as thyroid gland; breast; and abdominal organs, such as liver, intestine, stomach, gallbladder, kidneys and spleen, can be examined for abnormalities using ultrasound imaging. There are several other key areas where ultrasound helps with an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Following are the conditions where ultrasound imaging is advised by a physician.

• Pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancies or menstrual disorders
• Trauma and surgical emergencies, such as injury to the pneumothorax or other organs
• Blockages in blood vessels of heart (using Doppler ultrasound)
• Deep venous thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Detection of renal calculi
• Guidance for needle biopsies
• Examination and biopsy of the breast