[Echographic evaluation of nontraumatic abdominal emergencies (author's transl)]

The authors illustrate the diagnostic possibilities of echography in the evaluation of the nontraumatic abdominal emergencies. They first refer about the methods of investigation and the scanning techniques. Then they illustrate the value of echography in the evaluation of the acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis pointing out the sensitivity of this procedure to the detection of the spread of the infections to the peritoneum and to the retroperitoneal spaces. The authors also present the echographic findings in the acute pathology of the retroperitoneum and of the female pelvic organs. Finally they emphasize the diagnostic value of ultrasounds in the search of the abdominal causes of the acute anemia and of the fever of unknown origin and as a preliminary investigation in case of actue renal failure.