HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Abdominal Ultrasound
Results
An abdominal Reference ultrasound Opens New Window uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the organs and other structures in the abdomen.
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Normal: |
The size and shape of the abdominal organs appear normal. The liver, spleen, and pancreas appear normal in size and texture. No abnormal growths are seen. No fluid is found in the abdomen. |
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The diameter of the aorta is normal and no Reference aneurysms Opens New Window are seen. |
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The thickness of the gallbladder wall is normal. The size of the bile ducts between the gallbladder and the small intestine is normal. No Reference gallstones Opens New Window are seen. |
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The kidneys appear as sharply outlined bean-shaped organs. No Reference kidney stones Opens New Window are seen. No blockage to the system draining the kidneys is present. |
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Abnormal: |
An organ may appear abnormal because of inflammation, infection, or other diseases. An organ may be smaller than normal because of an old injury or past inflammation. An organ may be pushed out of its normal location because of an abnormal growth pressing against it. An abnormal growth (such as a tumor) may be seen in an organ. Fluid in the abdominal cavity (Reference ascites Opens New Window) may be seen. |
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The aorta is enlarged, or an aneurysm is seen. |
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The liver may appear abnormal, which may point to liver disease (such as Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window or cancer). |
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The walls of the gallbladder may be thickened, or fluid may be present around the gallbladder, which may point to inflammation. The bile ducts may be enlarged because of blockage (from a gallstone or an abnormal growth in the pancreas). Gallstones may be seen inside the gallbladder. |
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The kidneys or the tubes that drain the kidneys (Reference ureters Opens New Window) may be enlarged because of urine that is not draining properly. Kidney stones are seen within the kidneys (not all stones can be seen with ultrasound). |
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An area of infection (Reference abscess Opens New Window) or a fluid-filled Reference cyst Opens New Window may appear as a round, hollow structure inside an organ. The spleen may be ruptured (if an injury to the abdomen has occurred). |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 5, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

