What is it about ?
Ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that uses non-audible sound waves (ultrasound).
The doctor first applies a gel to the skin, then passes with a device (a probe) over the part of the body to be examined. The probe produces sound waves which are reflected on the transition between hard structures and soft tissues. This is how organs, muscles and other tissues appear on the screen.
Ultrasound has the great advantage of not allowing rays to enter the body. We can therefore still use this technique, even during pregnancy.
On the other hand, ultrasound has the drawback of not always offering very clear images. Sometimes the exam can be uncomfortable or painful when the doctor goes through a sore spot with the probe. This exam takes approximately 20 minutes.
Why perform an ultrasound?
Belly ultrasound
It allows the doctor to examine the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, aorta and the space behind the peritoneum. For example, it can detect fluid in the belly, infections, bleeding, cysts, tumors, metastases, enlargement (enlargement) or scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), enlarged spleen, or formation of stones in the gallbladder, bile ducts and kidneys.
If the ultrasound does not give enough information, the doctor will sometimes give a CT scan or an MRI to his patient.
For an ultrasound of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or spleen, you must be on an empty stomach and not have smoked for 6 hours.
Pelvis ultrasound
It allows the doctor (usually the gynecologist or urologist) to examine the bladder, prostate, uterus and ovaries. He can thus follow the progress of the pregnancy or find traces of stones, detect tumors, cysts, inflammation, etc. Ideally, you should have a full bladder to take this test.
Ultrasound of blood vessels
An ultrasound of the blood vessels examines the arteries and veins. In the image, the doctor can see a dilation (aneurysm) of the aorta and follow its evolution. It thus makes it possible to diagnose a vascular narrowing (stenosis) (of the carotid arteries, for example), a vascular obstruction of the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) or a vascular inflammation of the superficial veins (phlebitis).
Chest ultrasound
An ultrasound of the chest is used to examine the heart and the membranes of the lungs. It has the advantage of allowing the doctor (usually the cardiologist) to view the heart as it beats. It can therefore assess both the muscle of the heart (myocardium) and the function of the valves of the heart.
Thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound
It is always the first examination to be performed when there is a mass (lump) in the neck.
Soft tissue and joint ultrasound
This ultrasound is used to detect muscle and tendon damage, bleeding, the presence of an infectious pocket in a joint or a bursa, or a cyst.
Sinus ultrasound
An ultrasound of the sinuses can be used to visualize the presence of pus in the sinuses (sinusitis).
Ultrasound of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens
An ultrasound of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens is performed in the event of a swollen or painful scrotum, when the patient feels a mass there, and as part of examinations for infertility in men.
Ultrasound for biopsy and puncture
To make sure it pricks in the right place, the doctor inserts the needle while he looks at the place where it pricks on ultrasound. This allows him, for example, to prick a cyst or evacuate it with great precision, or to take a piece of tissue from a suspicious tumor (biopsy).
Who does the ultrasound?
Usually, it is a radiologist, gynecologist or urologist who performs this type of examination. General practitioners can perform a limited number of ultrasound examinations, as long as they have followed the specific training.
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