Ultrasonography of the acute abdomen

For many years, ultrasonography has been considered to be one of the most valuable imaging techniques for evaluation of the abdominal cavity and its organs. In most cases, abdominal ultrasonography helps obtain information that leads to a definitive diagnosis. Ultrasonography is also valuable to narrow the list of differential diagnoses obtained with other diagnostic techniques. This article discusses the role of ultrasound for the diagnosis of the most common diseases that can produce clinical signs of acute abdominal pain. Abdominal organs that can be evaluated using ultrasound include the liver, biliary system, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, kidney, urinary bladder, uterus, and prostate. Pathologies of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space can be also diagnosed with ultrasonography. Interventional ultrasound techniques are useful to either assist in getting the definitive diagnosis or to treat certain pathologic conditions.