This procedure is performed at:

Larchmont Medical Center II, Mt. Laurel
Medford Medical Center
Willingboro Imaging Center

 

Ultrasound Basics

Ultrasound has become one of the cornerstones of diagnostic imaging. The field continues to develop and expand. Ultrasound utilizes sound waves rather than x-rays or radiation to create medical images. The procedure is typically pain-free and requires no injections. Ultrasound is useful for evaluating a number of conditions and specific parts of the human body such as: pregnancy and gynecologic issues; thyroid, abdomen, pelvis, scrotum, and vascular structures, such as carotid arteries and the arteries of the lower extremities. Ultrasound is also good in evaluating the abdomen (liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys), as well as certain breast abnormalities. Your physician may refer you for a diagnostic ultrasound for any one of several clinical problems.

Ultrasound and Pregnancy

Ultrasound often is a standard part of prenatal care. It can provide a significant amount of information about your baby without any significant risk. In fact it is virtually the only method of medical imaging available for the unborn child.

At Larchmont Imaging we are dedicated to providing the best imaging service as possible. This is true in all diagnostic and therapeutic modalities including obstetrical ultrasound. Our staff is well qualified and our equipment is state-of-the-art. As a testimony to our commitment to excellence, we are certified by the American College of Radiology in diagnostic ultrasound as well as other imaging modalities.

The obstetric ultrasound is tailored to the gestational age of your pregnancy. First trimester ultrasounds are used to evaluate the number of babies within the uterus, such as in a twin pregnancy. Ultrasound is one of the most accurate methods for dating your pregnancy. This study is often performed in two ways: trans-abdominally (a probe is placed on your lower abdomen) or trans-vaginally. Transvaginal ultrasound provides greater detail and is often necessary to fully evaluate the early pregnancy.

A more dedicated exam equivalent to a level II ultrasound is performed during the second trimester. There are many reasons why your doctor may order this test. Commonly, the test is ordered as a general screening exam. This exam can tell you and your doctor the age of the pregnancy and the position of the baby. As part of the exam we evaluate the fetal anatomy. The brain, spine, heart, abdomen and other common structures are examined. The purpose is to identify certain abnormalities in your baby that may have an impact on your baby’s future health or in your delivery. Unfortunately, not all fetal anomalies are detectable by ultrasound.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Ultrasound continues to have a tremendous impact on the field of gynecology. It is the initial diagnostic study of choice in evaluating the ovaries and the uterus. The exam is often performed both trans-abdominally and trans-vaginally. Uterine masses, such as fibroids, can be seen. The lining of the uterus can be assessed. Ovarian masses such as cysts are well seen by transvaginal ultrasound.

The transabdominal portion of the exam affords a general survey of the uterus, ovaries and pelvic sidewalls. This portion of the exam requires that you have a full bladder. The reason for a full bladder is that the sound travels better through water, improving the images. Additionally, the full bladder pushes gas filled bowel loops out of the way. Subsequently, the sonographer or aide will ask you to relieve your bladder for the transvaginal portion of the exam. The transvaginal probe can see small objects, such as a very early uterine pregnancy, and the uterine lining better than the transabdominal probe. The transvaginal portion of the examination occasionally can be uncomfortable both physically and mentally. Our staff is trained to be sensitive to all your needs during this and any other diagnostic procedure. If for any reason you are physically or mentally uncomfortable with the procedure, simply tell the sonographer and we will terminate the exam. Our goal is to provide you and your doctor with the appropriate medical information while respecting your wishes and comfort. We perform this, as well as other diagnostic studies in a relaxed, private setting.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is very useful in evaluating many organs of the body. The liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys are well suited for evaluation by ultrasound. Diagnostic information can be obtained without using radiation. The gallbladder is often a site of disease. Gall stones are well visualized by sonography. Kidney stones are often a common problem. Ultrasound is one method for evaluating for the presence of kidney stones as well as any blockage (hydronephrosis) that may occur. Kidney masses can also be assessed, as to whether they are cystic or solid.

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular disease is well seen by ultrasonography. Atherosclerotic disease can affect many of the body’s arteries. Narrowing of the carotid arteries can lead to a stroke which has significant consequences for your health and your quality of life. Ultrasound can alert you and your physician to significant carotid disease. Once narrowing is detected, you and your doctor can consider different treatment options such as carotid endarterectomy. Vascular disease can lead to dilitation of the abdominal aorta which is commonly called an aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms are well seen by ultrasound. Certain conditions can predispose people to peripheral or lower extremity arterial disease. Patients can often experience cramping type symptoms in their calves or skin discoloration in the lower extremity ulcers. Ultrasound is very useful in surveying the major vessels of the lower legs to determine if a serious narrowing exists.

Besides arterial disease, ultrasound is the diagnostic test of choice for evaluating the deep veins of the lower legs. Leg clots are a common problem. If untreated, lower extremity clots can lead to significant disease. Clots in the lower leg veins are well seen by ultrasound. Once detected, your doctor can begin the proper treatment to dissolve the clot or prevent it from migrating. Lower leg swelling can be due to several factors. One common cause is incompetent or faulty valves in the lower leg veins. Using ultrasound, we can non-invasively test your lower extremity veins for valvular insufficiency.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a useful noninvasive way of visualizing the thyroid gland. Common reasons for undergoing a thyroid ultrasound imaging would include, a palpable abnormality or abnormal thyroid function tests. You or your doctor may have noticed some focal enlargement of your thyroid gland. Ultrasound can determine if the enlargement is due to a focal process such as a nodule or mass. If your thyroid function tests are abnormal, thyroid ultrasound is often a useful test to determine if the gland is diffusely abnormal or if there is a focal abnormality. This test along with other imaging tests, such as a nuclear medicine scan, can help you and your physician decide on the best treatment options for your particular thyroid condition.

Scrotal Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the test of choice for evaluating various scrotal conditions. Using a high resolution scanner, the scrotum and its contents can be evaluated for various processes: masses, infection, vascular compromise, focal pain or swelling, or dilated veins. Dilated veins can be a cause of infertility.

 

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