ULTRASOUND SERVICES

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An abdominal aortic ultrasound is a noninvasive exam that uses high-frequency sound waves to visually evaluate the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body that carries blood away from the heart.  This test determines if there are blockages, narrowing or aneurysm (an enlargement or a "bulge") in the aorta. Ultrasound is used to obtain images of the aorta and the blood flow within.

An Abdominal Ultrasound is performed to visually evaluate abdominal organs, this includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, abdominal aorta and spleen, to help detect a wide range of conditions and also assess blood flow to these organs. 

Ultrasound can detect cysts, abscesses, obstructions, fluid collection, clots and infection in the abdomen.

Duplex ultrasonography of the upper and lower extremity arteries is performed to provide an overview of the location, extent and severity of vascular disease. The lower extremity Doppler evaluation is performed from the iliacs through the tibial vessels and extended into the foot, while the upper extremity variant can be performed from the subclavian artery to the wrist.

Carotid imaging is a safe non-invasive diagnostic assessment of the blood flow through the vessels that supply the neck and brain. "The duplex scan has become the definitive test in the diagnosis of carotid arterial disease" (Journal, The American Surgeon). This test affords superior visualization of plaque thickness and accumulation within the carotid artery, while other types of blood flow problems are assessed with this procedure.

An echocardiogram (often called "echo") provides ultrasound imaging of the heart to examine its size and strength, as well as how well it is functioning. This procedure is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart's valves. An echocardiogram is non-invasive, has no known side effects and may be used to provide diagnostic assessment of the heart's condition. 

Venous duplex imaging is used to evaluate blood clots, venous insufficiency, incompetence or tumor/masses obstructed veins. Acute and chronic thrombosis can be differentiated. In addition, this procedure may be used to detect superficial phlebitis and obstruction.

 A renal ultrasound uses sound wave technology to detect and diagnose conditions within the kidneys, bladder and ureters, such as kidney stones, cysts, masses and infection, which can be identified by changes in the tension of the bladder walls or the overall size and structure of the kidneys. 

 Renal artery duplex imaging evaluates blood flow velocities and patterns in the aorta and renal arteries. According to the American College of Radiology, "Ultrasound using grayscale imaging, Doppler spectral analysis, and color Doppler imaging is a proven and useful procedure for evaluating the renovascular system."

 A pelvic ultrasound is performed to visualize the organs within the pelvis, including the bladder, ovaries, prostate and other related structures in order to detect and evaluate conditions such as cancer, fibroids, ovarian cysts, kidney stones and urinary tract infections. 

 A thyroid ultrasound produces images of the thyroid gland in patients with swelling or dysfunction, such as a lump, cancer, Grave's disease, hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease. The thyroid often becomes enlarged or inflamed as a result of these conditions, which may require regular monitoring.

 

A musculoskeletal ultrasound is performed to examine the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments in patients with chronic pain, limited joint function and other orthopedic symptoms that may occur after an injury or disease. This procedure is considered most effective in determining the cause of shoulder pain, as well as muscle and tendon tears, after an athletic injury.

A testicular ultrasound is performed to evaluate and diagnose conditions of the testicles by producing images of the epididymis, vas deferens and prostate gland. Conditions such as a varicocele, undescended testis, trauma or masses can be identified through this procedure.