Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a medical imaging technique widely used in obtaining images on the internal structures of your body. There are several types of ultrasound, each used to a specific medical needs. The most used type for gastrointestinal conditions is the abdominal ultrasound.

If you have questions about ultrasound and its many different uses, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness. We offer services on the different types of ultrasounds, including ultrasound of the abdomen. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://doralhw.org/.

Abdominal ultrasound is also used as an imaging tool in detecting liver disorders and assessing the overall health of your liver. Here’s how liver disorders can be detected through abdominal ultrasound:

• Visualization of Liver Anatomy
  • Normal Liver Structure — The ultrasound will allow visualization of the normal anatomy of your liver, including its size, shape, and position within your abdomen.

• Liver Size and Shape
  • Enlargement or Atrophy — Abnormalities in your liver’s size, such as enlargement (hepatomegaly) or atrophy, can also be detected.

• Liver Texture and Echo Pattern
  • Echogenicity — The ultrasound can assess the echogenicity of the liver tissue, which refers to its ability to reflect sound waves. Changes in echogenicity may indicate fatty liver or other conditions as well.

• Detection of Liver Lesions
  • Tumors and Masses — The ultrasound is effective in detecting tumors, cysts, or other masses within your liver. This can include both benign and malignant lesions.

• Evaluation of Liver Blood Flow
  • Doppler Ultrasound — This technique can assess blood flow within your liver’s blood vessels. Abnormalities in blood flow can also indicate conditions such as cirrhosis or portal hypertension.

• Detection of Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders
  • Gallstones — Abdominal ultrasound can identify the presence of gallstones in your gallbladder or biliary ducts. Gallstones can also lead to liver-related issues.

• Assessment of Hepatic Vasculature
  • Hepatic Artery and Portal Vein — The ultrasound can evaluate the hepatic artery and portal vein for abnormalities, helping diagnose conditions such as portal vein thrombosis.

• Evaluation of Liver Parenchyma
  • Focal Lesions — Focal lesions or areas of abnormal liver tissue can be identified through ultrasound imaging.

• Monitoring Liver Cirrhosis
  • Nodularity and Surface Changes — In cases of liver cirrhosis, ultrasound may reveal changes in your liver’s surface and nodularity.

• Guiding Procedures
  • Biopsy Guidance — Ultrasound can guide liver biopsies by providing real-time imaging to help obtain tissue samples from a specific area.

• Monitoring Response to Treatment
  • Assessment of Changes — Abdominal ultrasound is also used in monitoring changes in your liver over time, assessing its response to treatment for any liver disorders.

• Assessing Fluid Accumulation
  • Ascites — The ultrasound can detect the presence of ascites, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid within your abdominal cavity often associated with liver disorders.

• Evaluation of Liver Trauma
  • Injury Assessment — In case of trauma, ultrasound can also help in assessing liver injuries or hematomas.

Abdominal ultrasound is often the first-line imaging technique in assessing liver conditions due to its non-invasive nature, safety, and effectiveness. However, in certain situations or for more detailed evaluations, additional imaging technique, such as CT scan or MRI, may be recommended. The interpretation of ultrasound findings requires an expert, and medical providers may use a combination of clinical information and imaging results to properly diagnose and manage any liver disorders effectively.

If you or your loved one has symptoms for any digestive and liver disorders, have them/yourself checked. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Gastroenterology Center’s best gastro doctors in Brooklyn. If you are looking for ultrasound centers near you, you can also talk to our specialists and inquire with them. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690.