Ultrasound diagnostics in Istanbul

Ultrasound diagnostics: a safe and informative examination method

Ultrasound is a non-invasive examination of the human body using ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasound diagnostics was first introduced in 1956, and to this day ultrasound remains one of the most востребованных diagnostic methods, being widely used in obstetrics, gynecology, and other fields of practical medicine.

Ultrasound is one of the most modern as well as one of the most informative diagnostic methods. What is the advantage of ultrasound diagnostics compared with other equally modern diagnostic methods? Ultrasound is a modern and safe examination method with virtually no contraindications. It is used to diagnose pathologies of the abdominal organs, pelvic organs, breasts, kidneys, and thyroid gland, to monitor the course of pregnancy and the condition of the fetus and placenta, and it is also used in cardiology, ophthalmology, and phlebology.

One of the undeniable advantages of ultrasound diagnostics is, above all, its complete safety for the patient. Ultrasound has no harmful effects on the body and involves no radiation exposure. Therefore, if the doctor or the patient needs clarification of the diagnosis, the ultrasound examination can always be repeated without unnecessary concern. In this regard, it is also worth mentioning the unique feature of ultrasound: during a single visit to the doctor, it is possible to examine many organs and body systems by ultrasound.

Indications for ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound diagnostics is performed in the following cases:

• diseases of the abdominal cavity (cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastritis, gallstone disease, dyspepsia);
• liver diseases (hepatitis, jaundice, liver cirrhosis, ascites, cholangitis, fatty liver disease);
• diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, urolithiasis, cystitis, renal hypertension, congenital kidney abnormalities, etc.);
• during pregnancy, in thyroid diseases, and in prostate diseases;
• in diseases of the female reproductive organs and for the diagnosis of early pregnancy;
• in diseases and pathologies of the breasts;
• during preventive check-ups and routine medical examinations.

How ultrasound works

Ultrasound imaging is obtained through the emission and reception of ultrasonic waves reflected from objects. Changes in the characteristics of the ultrasonic wave as it passes through different media form the basis of image acquisition during an ultrasound examination.

The use of ultrasound diagnostics in medicine

Ultrasound occupies a leading position in the diagnosis of most diseases of the abdominal organs, urinary system, thyroid gland, salivary and mammary glands, heart, and so on. It is probably easier to say where the use of ultrasound is impossible or limited. These include certain diseases of the skeletal system, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. However, even in these areas, ultrasound diagnostics is being used more and more often every year.

Main types of ultrasound

• Thyroid ultrasound
• Abdominal ultrasound (liver, pancreas, spleen)
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Kidney and ureter ultrasound
• Bladder ultrasound
• Breast ultrasound
• Uterus and fetal ultrasound
• Fetal ultrasound with assessment of fetal organs
• Prostate ultrasound
• Artery and vein ultrasound

Although ultrasound diagnostics provides extensive information about the processes occurring in the body, it should not be forgotten that ultrasound is an auxiliary method in establishing a diagnosis. Therefore, the decision on prescribing ultrasound examinations and determining their timing is made by the attending physician.