Ultrasound Made Easy

DESCRIPTIONS

Below are useful terms on ultrasound:

Echogenic — giving rise to reflections (echoes) of ultrasound waves
Hyperechoic – more echogenic (brighter) than normal
Hypoechoic – less echogenic (darker) than normal
Isoechoic – the same echogenicity as another tissue
Transvaginal ultrasonography – Ultrasound is performed through the vagina
Transabdominal ultrasonography – Ultrasound is performed across the abdominal wall or through the abdominal cavity.
In normal state, each body tissue type, such as liver, spleen or kidney, has a unique echogenicity. Fortunately, gestational sac, yolk sac and embryo are surrounded by hyperechoic (brighter) body tissues.

Influencing factors
The accuracy of fetal sex discernment depends on:

Gestational age
Precision of sonographic machine
Expertise of the operator
Fetal posture


IMPORTANT OF ULTRASOUND

First trimester
In the first trimester, a standard ultrasound examination typically includes:[11]

Gestational sac size, location, and number
Identification of the embryo and/or yolk sac
Measurement of fetal length (known as the crown-rump length)
Fetal number, including number of amnionic sacs and chorionic sacs for multiple gestations
Embryonic/fetal cardiac activity
Assessment of embryonic/fetal anatomy appropriate for the first trimester
Evaluation of the maternal uterus, tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures
Evaluation of the fetal nuchal fold, with consideration of fetal nuchal translucency assessment
Second and third trimester
In the second trimester, a standard ultrasound exam typically includes:[11]

Fetal number, including number of amnionic sacs and chorionic sacs for multiple gestations
Fetal cardiac activity
Fetal position relative to the uterus and cervix
Location and appearance of the placenta, including site of umbilical cord insertion when possible
Amnionic fluid volume
Gestational age assessment
Fetal weight estimation
Fetal anatomical survey
Evaluation of the maternal uterus, tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures when appropriate



OTHER INDICATIONS

Your doctor may order an ultrasound if you’re having pain, swelling, or other symptoms that require an internal view of your organs. An ultrasound can provide a view of the:

bladder
brain (in infants)
eyes
gallbladder
kidneys
liver
ovaries
pancreas
spleen
thyroid
testicles
uterus
blood vessels
An ultrasound is also a helpful way to guide surgeons’ movements during certain medical procedures, such as biopsies.