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A bladder stone is a hard mass of minerals that forms in the bladder, typically due to incomplete bladder emptying or concentrated urine. In abdominal ultrasound, these stones appear as highly echogenic (bright) structures within the bladder, often with posterior acoustic shadowing, indicating their solid nature and density. Identifying bladder stones is crucial for diagnosing…

Portal hypertension in abdominal ultrasound refers to abnormally high blood pressure in the portal venous system, primarily caused by increased resistance to blood flow in the liver. This condition is commonly associated with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis. Ultrasound plays a crucial role in diagnosing portal hypertension by evaluating key indicators such as portal vein…

Urinary retention, in abdominal ultrasound, refers to the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to a buildup of urine. This condition can be acute, causing sudden and painful inability to urinate, or chronic, where the bladder never fully empties, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing urinary…

Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen, a common finding in abdominal ultrasound examinations. This condition can be indicative of various underlying medical issues, including infections, blood disorders, liver disease, or certain cancers. Abdominal ultrasound is a crucial non-invasive imaging modality for detecting and assessing splenomegaly, allowing for precise measurements and evaluation of its…

Ureteral jets are transient, high-velocity streams of urine visible with ultrasound as they enter the bladder from the ureters. This "Abdominal" ultrasound finding is crucial in medical imaging for assessing kidney function, ureteral patency, and identifying urinary tract obstructions. Observing the frequency and symmetry of these jets helps clinicians diagnose conditions affecting renal and bladder…

Chronic cholecystitis is persistent inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by repeated gallstone attacks leading to thickening of the gallbladder wall and scarring. In abdominal ultrasound, this condition typically manifests as a contracted gallbladder with a thickened, often irregular wall, and frequently the presence of gallstones or sludge. Patients may experience recurrent right upper quadrant…

Choledocholithiasis, a common abdominal condition, refers to the presence of gallstones within the common bile duct. These stones can originate in the gallbladder and migrate, or form directly in the duct, leading to bile flow obstruction, inflammation, and potential complications like cholangitis or pancreatitis. Ultrasound is a primary diagnostic tool, often revealing dilated bile ducts…

Biliary dilation, a key finding in abdominal ultrasound, refers to the abnormal widening of the bile ducts. This condition often indicates an obstruction to bile flow, which can be caused by gallstones, tumors, strictures, or inflammation. Ultrasound is a primary imaging modality for detecting biliary dilation, allowing clinicians to visualize the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile…

In abdominal ultrasound, Courvoisier's sign refers to the presence of a palpable, non-tender gallbladder in a patient with painless jaundice. This clinical finding strongly suggests an obstruction of the common bile duct, typically due to a malignancy in the head of the pancreas or bile duct, rather than gallstones. Its presence helps differentiate the cause…