[Ultrasound diagnosis of the abdomen]

Ultrasonography is the method of first choice for the rational work-up of abdominal pathologies. The results and limitations of this method for diagnosis of diseases of the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney and urinary tract, adrenal glands, vessels and lymph nodes, female pelvis and gastrointestinal tract are presented in a short overview. Particular reference is made to a critical approach, emphasizing relevant further investigations.