What is ultrasonography (USG) and how does it work?

Ultrasonography (USG) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to visualize internal body structures. It works by emitting these waves from a transducer into the body, which reflect back as echoes when they hit tissue interfaces, and these echoes are processed into real-time images.

What are the key advantages of ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound is noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it safe for repeated use and fetal assessments. It is also widely available, cost-effective, and can differentiate tissue densities for tumor detection.

What are the main clinical applications of ultrasonography?

Ultrasonography is used for evaluating soft tissue and abdominal masses, investigating gallbladder, liver, kidney, and pancreas diseases, assessing fluid-filled structures like the urinary bladder and abdominal aorta, obstetrics for fetal development and anomaly detection, and Doppler ultrasound for blood flow evaluation.

Why are some structures not easily imaged with ultrasound?

Structures with gas or dense bone poorly reflect sound waves, making them difficult to visualize with ultrasound. This is because ultrasound waves travel through tissues and reflect variably off different surfaces.

How is ultrasound different from other imaging techniques like CT or MRI?

Ultrasound uses sound waves and is noninvasive without ionizing radiation, making it safer for certain uses like obstetrics. In contrast, CT and MRI often involve different principles, such as X-rays or magnetic fields, and may be used for different diagnostic purposes.

Ultrasound (USG) – Principles & Clinical Uses

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is ultrasonography (USG) and how does it work?

What are the key advantages of ultrasound imaging?

What are the main clinical applications of ultrasonography?

Why are some structures not easily imaged with ultrasound?

How is ultrasound different from other imaging techniques like CT or MRI?