| Theme |
Abdominal Ultrasonography up-to-date |
| Title |
Ultrasonographic Techniques to Diagnose Acute Abdominal Pain |
| Author |
Jiro Hata |
Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School |
| Author |
Hiroshi Imamura |
Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School |
| Author |
Noriaki Manabe |
Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School |
| Author |
Tomoari Kamada |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kawasaki Medical School |
| Author |
Ken Haruma |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kawasaki Medical School |
| Author |
Hiroaki Kusunoki |
Department of General Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
Sonographic diagnosis of conditions leading to acute abdominal pain are discussed, with especial focus on diagnostic pitfalls. We should recognize that typical sonographic images are not necessarily obtained in all patients. We must try to assess every organ which may be affected, including the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, and even bones and soft tissues if necessary. Ascites with rich echogenic particles often indicates gastrointestinal perforation, pus, or hemorrhage for those the immediate therapeutic strategies are required. We must be extremely watchful when examining patients with rather obscure physical findings since there are often hidden serious disorders such as bowel ischemia. It is not easy to diagnose ischemia of an organ by employing B-mode ultrasonography. Therefore, contrast studies are recommended, even though they are not covered by the national health insurance system in Japan. |