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Ultrasound (ultrasound diagnostics)

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What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound (ultrasonography) is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s internal structures. This technique enables non-invasive visualization of organs, tissues and blood vessels, without the need to use ionizing radiation as is the case with X-ray imaging. The procedure is usually performed using a device known as an ultrasound scanner or ultrasound machine. The scanner emits high-frequency sound waves into the patient’s body and then records the reflection of those waves as they bounce off various internal structures. This information is processed to create images that a doctor can use to diagnose and assess a patient’s health.

Doppler ultrasound (Doppler sonography) is a special type of ultrasound technique that enables assessment of blood flow through blood vessels. In addition to providing static images of internal organs, Doppler ultrasound can detect and measure the speed and direction of movement of red blood cells in arteries and veins. When sound reflects off moving objects, such as red blood cells, the frequency of the sound changes relative to the frequency of the sound that was sent. This change in frequency is used to calculate the speed and direction of blood flow in the arteries and veins. Doppler ultrasound usually shows single-color images (most often red and blue) that represent blood flow direction and speed.

Color Doppler (Color-Doppler sonography) is a more advanced technique that uses the Doppler effect to visualize blood flow in blood vessels in color. In addition to information about the speed and direction of blood flow that is obtained from a regular Doppler ultrasound, Color Doppler adds a visual component. Color images are displayed on the screen indicating the different directions of blood flow. For example, blood moving towards the ultrasound probe is shown in red, while blood moving away from the probe is shown in blue. By combining these colors, the doctor can easily identify normal or abnormal blood flow.

Ultrasound is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure, so it is often used as the first step in diagnosis before other, more invasive imaging methods or procedures are considered. However, it also has its limitations, as it cannot penetrate bone or air, so it cannot be used to visualize internal structures that are covered by bone, such as the brain or lungs. Also, image quality may be limited in people who are overweight or have gas in the intestines. In those situations, the doctor may recommend other imaging methods, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Why is an ultrasound performed?

Ultrasound is performed for many reasons in medicine due to its wide applicability and safety. Here are some of the main reasons why an ultrasound examination is performed:

Diagnostics and evaluation of the state of organs: Ultrasound is used to examine various organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, thyroid gland, breast, testicles, prostate, uterus and ovaries, in order to identify possible changes, cysts, tumors, inflammations and other problems.

Pregnancy screening

Ultrasound is an essential tool for monitoring fetal development during pregnancy. It allows doctors to assess the size and position of the fetus, detect possible anomalies, assess blood flow through the placenta and monitor the general health of the pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Blood vessel monitoring

Ultrasound is used to assess blood flow through arteries and veins. This is especially beneficial for people with cardiovascular disease or conditions such as varicose veins, thrombosis or narrowing of the arteries.

Management of interventions

Ultrasound can be used as a guide during some medical interventions, such as biopsies (removal of tissue for analysis), drainage of abscesses, guiding of injection needles, and the like. This enables precision and reduces the risk of damage to surrounding structures.

Monitoring development and treatment

Ultrasound can be useful for monitoring the effects of therapy, such as the treatment of tumors or cysts, and provide information on the progress of treatment.

Detection of soft tissue problems

Ultrasound can detect inflammatory processes, abscesses, cysts and other soft tissue changes that cannot be seen on standard X-rays.

What are the types of ultrasound?

There are different types of ultrasound, and each of them is used for specific purposes in medicine:

Ultrasound examination of the heart

An ultrasound examination of the heart, also known as echocardiography, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize and evaluate the structure and function of the heart. This procedure allows doctors to examine in detail the heart chambers, heart valves, heart muscles, blood vessels and assess how the heart pumps blood through the body.

An ultrasound examination of the heart is used for many purposes, including:

• Detection of structural anomalies of the heart.

• Assessment of the size and function of the heart chambers.

• Assessment of the condition of the heart valves and detection of possible valve problems.

• Identification of heart tumors or blood clots.

• Monitoring of heart function and treatment of heart diseases.

• Detection and monitoring of heart problems in pregnant women and newborns.

Color doppler neck blood vessels

Color Doppler of the blood vessels of the neck is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound and the Doppler effect to visualize the blood vessels in the neck and assess blood circulation through them. This procedure allows doctors to examine the arteries and veins in the neck region in detail and identify any problematic changes in blood flow.

Color Doppler examination of blood vessels of the neck is often used in the following cases:

Evaluation of circulation in the carotid arteries to identify possible narrowings (stenosis) or other problems that may increase the risk of stroke.
Assessment of venous circulation in the neck region to identify varicose veins or other problems in the venous system.
Identification of blood clots (thrombi) in the blood vessels of the neck, which is important for early detection and prevention of complications.

Color Doppler of the lower extremities blood vessels

Color Doppler of the lower extremities is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound and the Doppler effect to visualize the blood vessels in the legs and assess blood circulation through them. This procedure allows doctors to examine the arteries and veins in the lower extremities in detail and identify any problematic changes in blood flow.

Color Doppler of the upper extremities blood vessels

Color Doppler blood vessels of the upper extremities is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound and the Doppler effect to visualize the blood vessels in the hands and assess blood circulation through them. This procedure allows doctors to examine the arteries and veins in the upper extremities in detail and identify any problematic changes in blood flow.

Color Doppler examination of the upper and lower extremities is often used in the following cases:

Assessment of blood flow in the arteries to identify possible narrowings (stenosis) or blockages that may cause circulation problems.
Assessment of venous blood flow to identify enlarged veins (varicose veins) or vein problems.
Identification of blood clots in the blood vessels of the arms and legs, which is important for early detection and prevention of complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Color Doppler of the abdominal aorta with visceral branches

Color Doppler of the abdominal aorta with visceral branches is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the abdominal aorta and its main branches that supply the internal organs (visceral organs) of the abdominal cavity.

Color Doppler examination of the abdominal aorta with its visceral branches can be useful for detecting narrowings, stenoses, aneurysms, thrombosis, or other pathological changes in these blood vessels. This is important for the timely detection of potentially serious conditions and the implementation of appropriate treatment.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland

Thyroid ultrasound examination, also known as thyroid ultrasonography, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize and evaluate the thyroid gland. This procedure allows doctors to examine in detail the size, shape, structure and possible changes in the thyroid gland.

Thyroid ultrasound has several applications:

Evaluation of the size and structure of the thyroid gland
Detection of cysts, nodules and other changes
Monitoring thyroid conditions over time, as well as to monitor the progress and effectiveness of treatment in patients with certain conditions, such as thyroid disease.
Guide to taking tissue (biopsy) for further analysis and making an accurate diagnosis
Transabdominal ultrasound
This is the most common type of ultrasound. With the help of transabdominal ultrasound, an ultrasound probe is placed externally on the skin of the patient’s abdomen in order to examine the internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, uterus, ovaries and bladder. Ultrasound of the abdomen, urotract and small pelvis is a comprehensive diagnostic procedure that combines ultrasonography to visualize and evaluate organs in the abdominal cavity, urinary system and reproductive organs in the pelvic region.

Abdominal ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound, also known as abdominal ultrasonography, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize and evaluate internal organs in the abdominal cavity. This procedure allows doctors to examine organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, intestines, and other abdominal structures in detail.

Abdominal ultrasound has several applications:

Visualization of the liver: Ultrasound allows examination of the liver to detect changes in size, structure, fatty infiltration, cysts or tumors.
Evaluation of the gallbladder and bile ducts: Ultrasound is used to examine the gallbladder and bile ducts to detect possible stones, inflammation, or other changes.
Examination of the spleen: Ultrasound allows examination of the spleen to identify changes in size, structure or possible tumors.
Evaluation of the pancreas: Ultrasound is used to examine the pancreas to detect any changes, cysts, or tumors.
Examination of the kidneys and bladder: Ultrasound allows examination of the kidneys and bladder to detect possible changes in size, shape, presence of stones, tumors or other problems.
• Visualization of the intestines: Ultrasound can help detect possible problems in the intestines, such as diverticula, cysts, tumors or inflammation.

Ultrasound of the urinary tract

Ultrasound of the urinary tract, also known as ultrasonography of the urinary tract, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize and evaluate the organs of the urinary system. This procedure allows doctors to take a detailed look at the kidneys, bladder, ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), and the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside).

Ultrasound of the urinary tract is a common diagnostic procedure used to assess the health of the urinary system:

Assessment of renal structures: Ultrasound enables an examination of the renal parenchyma (internal tissue of the renal organs), its size, position and possible changes, such as cysts or tumors.
Bladder visualization: Ultrasound is used to examine the inside of the bladder to identify possible inflammation, the presence of stones or other pathological changes.
Monitoring urine flow: Using Doppler ultrasound, doctors can assess the flow of urine through the ureters and monitor possible narrowings or blockages.
Detecting problems in the urethra: Ultrasound can help detect possible strictures or other problems in the urethra.

Pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound, also known as pelvic ultrasonography, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize and evaluate the internal organs of the pelvis in women and men. This procedure allows doctors to examine in detail organs such as the uterus, ovaries, prostate, bladder, intestines and other structures in the pelvic region.

This type of review has several applications:

Evaluation of the reproductive organs in women: Ultrasound enables examination of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures. This technique is useful for detecting problems such as cysts, fibroids, tumors, inflammation or other gynecological conditions.
Prostate evaluation in men: Ultrasound is used to examine the prostate, which is especially important for detecting potential problems such as prostate enlargement, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate cancer.
Visualization of the bladder: Ultrasound enables examination of the inside of the bladder in order to identify possible inflammation, the presence of stones or other pathological changes.
Evaluation of the bowel and other structures: Ultrasound can help detect problems in the bowel, such as diverticula, cysts, tumors or inflammation.

Transvaginal ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine reproductive organs in women. An ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to allow a better visual examination of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures. Transvaginal ultrasound is often used for early pregnancy detection, monitoring problems with reproductive organs, and monitoring fetal development in the early stages of pregnancy.

Transrectal ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine the prostate in men. The ultrasound probe is carefully inserted into the rectum to obtain a clearer image of the prostate and surrounding tissues. Transrectal ultrasound is used for early detection of problems with the prostate, such as changes in size, tumors or other pathological processes.

Color Doppler of renal arteries

Color Doppler of the renal arteries is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize and evaluate the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Examination of the renal arteries using the Color Doppler technique can be of particular importance in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) or suspected conditions that may affect the renal circulation.

This examination enables the assessment of blood flow through the renal arteries and the identification of possible narrowings (stenosis) or blockages that may affect the adequate blood supply to the kidneys. It can also help identify blood clots (thrombosis) in the renal arteries, which is important for early detection and prevention of complications.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

Transcranial Doppler is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound and the Doppler effect to assess blood circulation in the brain and intracranial arteries (arteries inside the skull). This procedure makes it possible to monitor blood flow through blood vessels in the brain and identify any changes in circulation.

TCD is most often performed by placing an ultrasound probe at specific points on the patient’s head, usually on the scalp or behind the ear, to visualize blood vessels in the brain. The Doppler effect is used to measure the speed and direction of blood flow through these blood vessels.

This review can be used to:

Monitoring blood circulation in the brain in patients with brain injuries, strokes, cerebrovascular diseases, or other neurological disorders.
Identification of stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (closing) of blood vessels in the brain.
Detection of possible emboli (blood clots) in intracranial arteries.
Assessment of reactivity of brain blood vessels in patients with cerebrovascular disorders.
TCD is a painless, quick and safe procedure that provides important information about the blood flow in the brain, which is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment planning of neurological conditions.

Ultrasound examination of the breast

Breast ultrasound, also known as breast ultrasonography, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize and evaluate the breasts. This procedure allows doctors to examine the internal structures of the breast in detail, including glandular tissue, cysts, tumors and other changes.

This type of review has several applications:

Identification of breast cysts
Detection and monitoring of breast tumors
Follow-up as part of mammographic screening
Guide to taking tissue (biopsy) for further analysis and making an accurate diagnosis

How to prepare for an ultrasound?

Preparation for ultrasound depends on the type of examination that is planned. Before going for an ultrasound scan, always check with your doctor or healthcare provider for specific preparation guidelines for your specific scan. Proper preparation will help ensure accurate results and facilitate the review process.

Here are some general guidelines that apply to most ultrasound exams:

Educate yourself about the exam: Talk to your doctor or medical staff to find out exactly what you need to do before the ultrasound exam. They will provide you with specific guidelines according to the type of examination scheduled.

Tell your doctor about your medical condition: Before your examination, be sure to tell your doctor about your medical condition, medical history, and any medications or supplements you are taking. This is important so that the doctor can take into account all relevant information during the examination.

Fasting on an empty stomach: In some cases, such as an abdominal ultrasound, you may need to fast before the examination. This means that you will be instructed not to eat anything or drink liquids for several hours before your appointment. This usually involves examining organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Wear appropriate clothing: It is recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or moved if access to the part of the body being examined is required. In some cases, you may be offered a hospital gown during the examination.

Remove jewelry: It is recommended that you remove all jewelry and metal objects before the ultrasound, as they can interfere with the quality of the image on the screen.
Follow instructions: If your doctor has given you special instructions or medications to take before the exam, be sure to follow them carefully.

Relax: Ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless procedure. There is no need for special preparations in terms of taking analgesics or sedatives, unless they have been prescribed by your doctor.

How does ultrasound work and how is the procedure performed?

Ultrasound (ultrasonography) is a diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to visualize internal organs and structures in the body. These waves cannot be heard by human ears because they are beyond the range of human hearing. Ultrasound is used in a variety of medical fields, including diagnostics of the heart, abdominal organs, urinary tract, reproductive organs, musculoskeletal system, and other structures.

The ultrasound procedure is usually performed as follows:

1. The patient is placed in the appropriate position: The patient will be placed in the appropriate position to facilitate access to the examined region. For example, for an abdominal ultrasound, the patient will lie on their back with their knees slightly bent.

2. Ultrasound gel: A transparent gel will be applied to the patient’s skin to help transmit ultrasound waves between the skin and the ultrasound probe. The gel also eliminates air between the probe and the skin, allowing for a better image on the screen.

3. Ultrasound probe: An ultrasound probe is a device used to send and receive ultrasound waves. The probe will be placed on the patient’s skin and moved over the examined region.

4. Visualization on the screen: When the ultrasound probe is moved over the examined region, the ultrasound waves penetrate the tissues and bounce off the internal organs and structures. These echoes are then converted into images that are displayed on the screen. A doctor or ultrasound technician will review these images to assess the condition of the organs and structures being examined.

5. End of the examination: After the end of the examination, the gel will be cleaned from the patient’s skin. There are usually no special restrictions after the ultrasound examination, so the patient can resume his usual activities immediately after the procedure.

Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive and quick procedure that is often used to visualize various organs and structures in the body. It is a safe procedure without exposure to ionizing radiation, which makes it especially suitable for pregnant women and children.

What are the potential risks of ultrasound?

Ultrasound (ultrasonography) is generally accepted as a safe diagnostic technique without serious risks or adverse effects.

Here are some reasons why ultrasound is considered a safe procedure:

Does not use ionizing radiation: Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, not ionizing radiation like X-rays or computed tomography (CT). This means that patients are not exposed to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation during an ultrasound examination.
It is non-invasive: Ultrasound is performed externally, without the need to insert instruments into the body. This means that there is no need for a needle, catheter or invasive procedures, which reduces the risk of infection or other complications.
It is painless: Ultrasound waves are painless and do not cause discomfort during the examination.

However, it is important to note that the potential risks of ultrasound are minimal, but there are some minor factors that can be taken into account:

• Errors in interpretation: The results of an ultrasound examination can depend on the skill and experience of the ultrasound technician and the doctor performing the examination. Errors in interpretation can lead to an incorrect diagnosis, but such situations are rare.
• Poor visualization: In some patients, ultrasound may be difficult if there is excess fat, intestinal gas, or other factors that reduce visualization of internal organs.

It is important that the ultrasound examination is performed by trained medical personnel and that adequate equipment is used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. Usually, the risks associated with ultrasound are minimal and most patients can feel safe during the procedure.

What can the ultrasound results show?

An ultrasound examination (ultrasonography) can provide a variety of information about the internal organs and structures of the body. Ultrasound is used in many medical fields, including radiology, cardiology, gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, and many others. Its safety, speed and ability to visualize internal structures make it a frequently used diagnostic technique for evaluating various health conditions. Ultrasound results can be key to making an accurate diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment. Ultrasound results should be interpreted by an experienced doctor who will draw adequate medical conclusions based on them.

Ultrasound results may show the following:

Size, shape and structure of organs

Ultrasound enables the visualization of organs such as the heart, liver, gall bladder, spleen, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate, intestines and others. Doctors can evaluate their size, shape and structure in order to identify possible changes or pathological conditions.

Details inside organs

Ultrasound can show the internal structure of organs, such as cysts, tumors, stones, fluids or fatty tissue. This information can be useful for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Blood circulation

Color Doppler ultrasound technique allows visualization of blood flow through blood vessels. Blood circulation ultrasound results may indicate the presence of narrowing, blockages or blood clots.

Organ function

Sometimes ultrasound can provide information about organ function. For example, an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography) can provide information about the strength of the heart muscle and the function of the heart valves.

Detection of pathologies:

Ultrasound can help detect various pathological conditions, such as cysts, tumors, inflammations, infections, blood clots, varicose veins, stones and other changes.

Who interprets the ultrasound results and what are the next steps?

The results of the ultrasound examination are interpreted by a doctor, specialist in radiology, ultrasound diagnostics or a specialist in a certain field of medicine, such as a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, urologist, etc. This doctor has specific training and experience in the interpretation of ultrasound images and the information obtained.

Carrying out further steps in diagnosis and therapy will depend on the individual needs of each patient and the nature of the changes identified during the ultrasound:

Diagnosis: Based on the ultrasound findings, the doctor can diagnose or rule out certain conditions. In some cases, an ultrasound may be sufficient to confirm certain diagnoses, while in other cases additional testing may be needed to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Recommendation for additional tests: If the ultrasound reveals certain changes that require further investigation, the doctor may recommend additional tests or diagnostic procedures to clarify the situation and make an accurate diagnosis.
Therapy planning: Based on the ultrasound results, the doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment or therapy for the patient. These may include medications, surgery, dietary changes, or other therapeutic approaches, depending on the diagnosis.
Monitoring: In some situations, ultrasound can be used to monitor the condition over time to assess the progress of therapy or changes in the patient’s health.
Consultation with other specialists: If the ultrasound reveals changes that require the expertise of other specialists, the doctor can refer the patient to a consultation with the appropriate specialists.

Ultrasound diagnostics in Puls Cardiology Center

At the Puls Cardiology Center, we have created examinations for diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of diseases. The hospital’s commitment to patients, safety and expertise in ultrasound technology is of utmost importance in providing quality healthcare.

Patients are a priority. We care about comfort and safety during the entire ultrasound process. This involves listening carefully to patients, providing clear information about the procedure and providing support during the examination.

Also, at the Puls Cardiology Center, we take care of patient safety, which includes proper patient identification, checking for allergies to contrast agents, proper use of equipment, and protection against possible infections.

Personnel performing ultrasound examinations are trained and certified in this technique. The team of doctors and technicians at Puls Cardiology Center is familiar with the latest technologies, protocols and guidelines in ultrasound in order to provide patients with accurate and reliable results.

Puls Cardiology Center has ultrasound equipment of the latest generation, which is highly reliable and enables obtaining clear and detailed images.

We continuously monitor and evaluate the quality of ultrasound examinations to identify areas for improvement and ensure consistency in the delivery of superior healthcare service.

Schedule an ultrasound at the Puls Cardiology Center, and if you are not sure what kind of ultrasound examination you need, you can contact our hospital and our professional staff will clarify and indicate the ultrasound examination that you need.

For any additional information, contact us on +381 11 7555 000 or email info@pulskardioloskicentar.rs or you can visit the relevant pages on our website.