Abdominal Ultrasound Scan

Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to visualize the organs and structures within the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines. At London Private Ultrasound, located in Central London, we offer comprehensive abdominal ultrasound services to assess and diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the abdominal organs.

Conditions Diagnosed with Abdominal Ultrasound:

1. Liver Conditions:

   • Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH): Abdominal ultrasound can detect signs of fat accumulation in the liver, indicative of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
   • Hepatitis: Ultrasound may reveal liver inflammation and changes in liver size and texture associated with acute or chronic hepatitis.
   • Liver Cirrhosis: Advanced liver cirrhosis can be identified through ultrasound by characteristic changes such as liver nodularity, irregularity of the liver surface, and splenomegaly.

2. Gallbladder Disorders:

   • Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Abdominal ultrasound is highly sensitive for detecting gallstones, which appear as echogenic structures within the gallbladder lumen.
   • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones, can be visualized on ultrasound by thickening of the gallbladder wall and the presence of pericholecystic fluid.

3. Pancreatic Diseases:

   • Pancreatitis: In acute pancreatitis, ultrasound may reveal pancreatic enlargement, edema, and fluid collections, while chronic pancreatitis may present with calcifications and pancreatic duct dilation.
   • Pancreatic Tumors: Abdominal ultrasound can detect pancreatic masses, aiding in the diagnosis of both benign and malignant tumors.

4. Kidney Disorders:

   • Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Ultrasound is a valuable tool for detecting renal calculi, which appear as hyperechoic structures with posterior shadowing.
   • Hydronephrosis: Obstruction of the urinary tract may result in hydronephrosis, visualized as dilation of the renal collecting system on ultrasound.
   • Renal Cysts and Tumors: Ultrasound can differentiate between simple renal cysts and complex cystic lesions, as well as detect renal tumors and masses.

5. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA):

   • Abdominal ultrasound is used to screen for AAA, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the dilation of the abdominal aorta. Ultrasound can accurately measure the diameter of the aorta and assess the risk of rupture.

6. Gastrointestinal Disorders:

   • Bowel Obstruction: Ultrasound can detect dilated loops of bowel and identify the site and cause of bowel obstruction.
   • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): While not diagnostic, ultrasound can visualize bowel wall thickening, inflammation, and complications associated with IBD.

7. Other Abdominal Conditions:

   • Ascites: Abdominal ultrasound can detect the presence of ascitic fluid within the peritoneal cavity, aiding in the evaluation of underlying liver disease, malignancy, or other causes.
   • Abdominal Masses: Ultrasound can identify and characterize abdominal masses of various origins, including benign and malignant tumors.