Diagnostic Ultrasonography
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A cranial ultrasound is a type of imaging test that looks at either the blood flow within the brain (a transcranial Doppler ultrasound) or the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and helps to cushion and protect them (head ultrasound).
Ultrasound is a safe, painless procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body or head. During a cranial ultrasound, an ultrasound technician applies a special gel to the scalp and moves a tool called a transducer over the gel-covered area. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel into the head. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create images on a computer screen.
Cranial ultrasounds are often used to examine the brains of premature infants. In adults, they may also be used to assess brain tumors during surgery.
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An endoscopic ultrasound is an ultrasound machine on the end of a scope. It's used to look at body cavities near the digestive tract.
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A testicular ultrasound is a safe, painless procedure that uses sound waves to create images projected onto a computer monitor of a man's scrotum and testicles and nearby structures. During the procedure, an ultrasound technician applies a clear gel to the scrotal sac, then moves a small, hand-held device called a transducer gently over the gelled area. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel to the structures in the scrotal area and then bounce back to a computer that uses those sound waves to create an image on the screen.
A testicular ultrasound (or scrotal ultrasound) may be used to help diagnose the cause of several different symptoms including:
- enlargement of the testicles
- lumps or masses in one or both testicles
- testicular pain
- infertility
- undescended testicles
- impact of trauma to the area
In most cases, a radiologist will interpret the results of a testicular ultrasound and confer with your primary care doctor to determine whether you need treatment, further testing, or follow-up care..
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A vascular ultrasound is used to help doctors see blockages in arteries located in the neck and legs.
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Carotid ultrasound checks for plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. Plaque can narrow or block your carotid arteries, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching your brain.
Your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you:
Had a stroke or mini-stroke recently. During a mini-stroke, you may have some or all of the symptoms of a stroke. However, the symptoms usually go away on their own within 24 hours. Have an abnormal sound in your carotid artery called a carotid bruit. Your doctor can hear a carotid bruit with the help of a stethoscope put on your neck over the carotid artery. A bruit may suggest a partial blockage in your carotid artery that could lead to a stroke.
Your doctor also may recommend a carotid ultrasound if he or she suspects you may have:
Blood clots that can slow blood flow in your carotid artery A split between the layers of your carotid artery wall that weakens the wall or reduces blood flow to your brain
A carotid ultrasound also may be done to see whether carotid artery surgery, also called carotid endarterectomy, has restored normal blood flow through your carotid artery.
If you had a procedure called carotid stenting, you may have carotid ultrasound afterward to check the position of the stent put in your carotid artery. (The stent, a small mesh tube, helps prevent the artery from becoming narrowed or blocked again.)
Sometimes carotid ultrasound is used as a preventive screening test in people who have medical conditions that increase their risk of stroke, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
People who have these conditions may benefit from having their carotid arteries checked regularly, even if they show no signs of plaque buildup.
This answer is based on source information from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
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Alternate names for carotid ultrasound are as follows:
Doppler ultrasound Carotid duplex ultrasound
This answer is based on source material from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
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Carotid Ultrasound is a Doppler test of the carotid artery in the neck using some gel and a Doppler probe on the skin. It does not hurt and there is no dye or radiation involved. There is no specific preparation for the test ahead of time.
This test gives information about plaque build up and blockage of the carotid arteries.
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A breast ultrasound is useful for differentiating a cystic versus solid mass. This can often be done in women under 40 years of age, or concurrently with a mammogram. High frequency sound waves create pictures within the breast tissue.
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Due to the sedation, you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure and should arrange for someone to pick you up. Complications with EUS procedures are very rare but may include pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and adverse reactions to the sedative medication. Infection of a pancreatic cyst after FNA is also possible, and typically antibiotics are given to reduce that risk.
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When a deep venous thrombosis is suspected or there is unexplainable edema in the lower extremities.
