abdominal ultrasound

Ultrasound is a unique imaging modality that can be performed quickly at the bedside with relatively compact equipment, requires little patient preparation, and has no adverse effects. This issue is dedicated to diagnostic sonography of the abdominal organs and abdominal wall, and Doppler evaluation of the abdominal vessels. It has a practical how-to-do-it focus aimed at the practicing sonographer or physician. Modern ultrasound equipment can provide exquisite imaging of the abdominal organs. Doppler plays a critical role in the evaluation of the great vessels of the abdomen, providing unique functionality for evaluating portal hypertension and hemodynamically significant arterial disease. Sonography is the first-line modality for imaging abdominal transplants, and this issue has articles dedicated to Doppler ultrasound evaluation of liver and renal allografts. Because of its real-time capability, sonography is an excellent modality for image-guided intervention.