Abdominal Ultrasound

Reference Abdominal ultrasound Opens New Window is done to:

• Find the cause of abdominal pain.
• Find, measure, or monitor an Reference aneurysm Opens New Window in the aorta. An aneurysm may cause a large, pulsing lump in the abdomen.
• Check the size, shape, and position of the liver. An ultrasound may be done to evaluate Reference jaundice Opens New Window and other problems of the liver, including liver masses, Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window, fat deposits in the liver (called fatty liver), or abnormal liver function tests.
• Detect Reference gallstones Opens New Window, inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), or blocked bile ducts. See a picture of a Reference gallstone Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
• Learn the size of an enlarged spleen and look for damage or disease.
• Find problems with the pancreas, such as a pancreatic tumor.
• Look for blocked urine flow in a kidney. A kidney ultrasound may also be done to find out the size of the kidneys, detect kidney masses, detect fluid surrounding the kidneys, investigate causes for recurring Reference urinary tract infections Opens New Window, or check the condition of transplanted kidneys.
• Find out whether a mass in any of the abdominal organs (such as the liver) is a solid tumor or a simple fluid-filled Reference cyst Opens New Window.
• Guide the placement of a needle or other instrument during a Reference biopsy Opens New Window.
• Look for fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity (Reference ascites Opens New Window). An ultrasound also may be done to guide the needle during a procedure to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity (Reference paracentesis Opens New Window).

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