Ultrasound is a radiology imaging modality that utilizes high frequency sound waves, without radiation, to generate images.

Many different types of diagnostic ultrasound exams are performed. One of the most common is evaluation of the abdomen including the liver, spleen, gall bladder, biliary tract, pancreas, kidneys and abdominal aorta. The male pelvis is imaged to evaluate the urinary bladder and the prostate gland. The female pelvis is imaged to evaluate the uterus and ovaries. Obstetrical ultrasound allows for a fetus to be studied for size and dates as well as detailed organ system anatomy. Ultrasound of the breast is a critical adjunct to mammography and physical examination in the evaluation of both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. Other ultrasound studies include the imaging of "small parts" evaluating the thyroid gland and scrotum, as well as musculoskeletal applications such as popliteal fossa, tendons, and soft tissue masses.

Vascular Ultrasound

Duplex Doppler vascular imaging is used in evaluating the carotid arteries, lower extremity veins, and intra-abdominal vasculature. Duplex Doppler ultrasound includes the portal vein, inferior vena cava, renal arteries and aorta. In addition, there are specialized diagnostic procedures that employ ultrasound such as hysterosonography (also called saline infusion sonohysterography), which allows for detailed and sensitive evaluation of the endometrium.

Pediatric Ultrasound

Pediatric imaging often utilizes ultrasound as a tool for the general evaluation of the abdomen and pelvis. Specific applications in this population include congenital hip dysplasia, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, and the neonatal brain.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

Organ biopsies are frequently performed with ultrasound guidance; including biopsies of the liver, prostate gland, thyroid gland, and breast, as well as other superficial masses such as lymph nodes. Lastly, thoracentesis and paracentesis can be quickly and efficiently completed with ultrasound guidance.