What is Abdominal Pain
Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate several causes of abdominal pain because it is non-invasive and provides real-time imaging of soft tissues and organs. Here are the main conditions it can assess:
1. Gallbladder and Biliary System
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) – Most frequent cause detected by ultrasound.
- Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Bile duct obstruction – Dilated ducts can indicate stones or strictures.
2. Liver
- Hepatomegaly – Enlarged liver.
- Liver masses – Cysts, tumors, or abscesses.
- Fatty liver changes – Increased echogenicity.
3. Pancreas
- Pancreatitis – Limited but can show enlarged pancreas or fluid collections.
- Pancreatic masses – Sometimes visible if not obscured by bowel gas.
4. Appendix
- Appendicitis – Especially in children and thin adults; shows non-compressible tubular structure.
5. Abdominal Aorta
- Aneurysm – Detects dilation or rupture risk.
6. Free Fluid
- Ascites – Fluid in peritoneal cavity.
- Hemoperitoneum – Blood in trauma cases.
