[Ultrasound diagnosis of the acute abdomen]

In addition to plain X-ray of the abdomen, ultrasonography has proven to be an accurate complementary imaging method in acute abdominal disorders. It may furnish not only additional information but also the final diagnosis in many cases (i.e. acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, appendicitis and gynecological diseases). Ultrasound is the method of first choice especially in children, adolescents, young women and when inflammation appears to be the reason for acute abdominal pain. In this paper, the main indications for ultrasound in acute abdominal diseases are pointed out. The most common diseases are shown with their typical ultrasound appearances in short overviews. Particular reference is made to a critical approach, emphasizing relevant further investigations.