Ultrasonografiaa

Ultrasonografiaa, commonly referred to as ultrasonography or ultrasound imaging, is a medical imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal body structures. It is noninvasive, does not use ionizing radiation, and provides real-time images that support diagnosis, guidance of procedures, and monitoring.

How it works: A transducer placed on the skin emits ultrasound pulses that travel through tissues and reflect back as echoes. These echoes are processed to form grayscale two-dimensional images (B-mode). Doppler techniques measure frequency shifts caused by moving blood cells to assess flow, direction, and velocity. Modern systems may generate three-dimensional or four-dimensional images and employ a variety of transducers for different applications.

Clinical uses: Ultrasonography is widely used in obstetrics for fetal assessment and placental evaluation, as well as in abdominal and pelvic imaging to examine organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, uterus, and ovaries. It is essential in echocardiography for heart structure and function, in musculoskeletal imaging, and for guiding procedures like biopsies, aspirations, and injections. It also plays a role in vascular assessment and emergency diagnostics.

Safety and limitations: Ultrasound is generally considered safe, employing non-ionizing energy. Its effectiveness depends on operator skill and equipment quality. Image quality can be limited by patient body habitus, excessive bowel gas, or bone. Some indications require alternative imaging modalities (e.g., CT or MRI) for better soft-tissue contrast or deeper penetration. In certain cases, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography may be used.

History: Modern B-mode ultrasonography emerged in the mid-20th century, with Doppler techniques and portable systems expanding its clinical reach. Today, ultrasound is a foundational tool in many medical specialties and point-of-care settings.