Abdominal Ultrasound
Also written as FAST.
Liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound if the jaundice is conjugated, prolonged (over 14 days) or the stools are pale (biliary atresia).
What our notes say
- Liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound if the jaundice is conjugated, prolonged (over 14 days) or the stools are pale (biliary atresia). (Paediatrics Year 4 MBChB end of semester CAT: triage, newborn care, growth and d)
- During an abdominal ultrasound for another reason, a bright, well-defined 3 cm liver lesion is found in a healthy woman. (Liver tumours: benign, primary malignant and metastatic)
- Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound: empty uterus, adnexal mass and free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. (Reproductive Health 1 End of Trimester CAT: ectopic pregnancy, ANC and abortion )
- Perform an abdominal ultrasound to rule out appendicitis. (Enteric fever)
- | Abdominal ultrasound | Ascites, liver size, renal size | Small kidneys = chronic disease; large liver with nodularity = cirrhosis | (Fluid balance)
- | Abdominal ultrasound | Exclude gallbladder disease, assess liver, detect free fluid | Normal gallbladder supports ulcer; free fluid suggests perforation | (Dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease)
Study material on Abdominal Ultrasound
Practice questions on Abdominal Ultrasound
A 4-year-old child has had nausea and vomiting for the past year. She exhibits early satiety with meals. An abdominal ultrasound is performed and shows duodenal narrowing. Abnormal migration of which of the following structures most likely occurred in this girl when she was in utero?
- Hepatic diverticulum
- Intestinal duplication
- Septum transversum
- Superior mesenteric artery
- Ventral pancreatic bud
Answer: E. The dorsal and ventral pancreatic buds rotate and fuse to form the exocrine pancreas. The two parts of the ventral bud may rotate in opposite directions to surround the duodenum and produce obstruction. This condition is called annular pancreas.
A 60-year-old female presents with postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting, particularly after fatty meals. Abdominal ultrasound is normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Peptic ulcer disease — H. pylori infection
- Cholelithiasis and biliary colic
- Chronic pancreatitis — pancreatic calcifications on CT
- Gastric cancer — gastric wall thickening on endoscopy
Answer: B. Postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially after fatty meals, are classic symptoms of cholelithiasis and biliary colic. While ultrasound is the first-line investigation, it can miss small stones or non-obstructive stones. Further investigations like HIDA scan or MRCP might be needed.