Ultrasonography is another term[aka: sonography] used to describe the practice of using ultrasound technology for diagnostic imaging. It is synonymous with sonography and signifies the process of capturing ultrasound images, regardless of the body part or condition being examined. Ultrasonography is widely utilized in various medical imaging specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, radiology, urology, and many others. It has proven to be particularly valuable in obstetric imaging, allowing healthcare providers to monitor the growth and development of a fetus during pregnancy.
Ultrasonography uses the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ. These ultrasonic waves are generated by a quartz crystal and are reflected at the interface between different tissues. The transmission and reflection of these high-frequency waves are displayed with different types of ultrasound modes.
See also sonogram, sonography, ultrasound imaging.

Cerebrovascular ultrasonography is the best screening tool for the detection of carotid artery stenosis. Transcranial sonography is used in the evaluation of patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease, but a common problem is the attenuation of the ultrasound signal by the skull.
Contrast enhanced ultrasound play a particularly important role in the visualization of the intracranial vessels, and thus improves the accuracy of transcranial Doppler and increases the potential of this technique. The use of microbubbles is helpful for classification of stenosis and for plaque evaluation in patients with poor initial examination. Ultrasound contrast agents avoid misdiagnosing a subtotal stenosis, which is a very important clinical issue.

See also Adventitia, Intima, Periorbital Doppler, and Acoustic Window.

(AUS) Abdominal ultrasound, also known as abdominal sonography, is a medical imaging technique that focuses on the visualization and assessment of the abdominal organs. While 'abdominal ultrasound' is the commonly used term, there are alternative terms that can be used to refer to this imaging modality: (TAE) transabdominal echography, abdominal ultrasonography, sonogram, FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma).
Abdominal ultrasound imaging is an invaluable clinical tool for identifying the underlying cause of abdominal pain. An abdominal ultrasound examination encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal blood vessels. It is a cost-effective, safe, and non-invasive medical imaging modality that is typically utilized as the initial diagnostic investigation.
Advanced ultrasound techniques, such as high-resolution ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced Doppler, further enhance the detection of small lesions and provide detailed information for precise diagnosis.
To prepare for an abdominal ultrasound, it is recommended to have nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours, starting from midnight the night before the examination.

Indications:
FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) is a rapid diagnostic test used for trauma patients. It sequentially evaluates the presence of free fluid in the pericardium (hemopericardium) and in four specific views of the abdomen. These views include the right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), subcostal, and suprapubic views. They aid in identifying hemoperitoneum in patients with potential truncal injuries. The space between the liver and the right kidney (RUQ), known as Morison's pouch, is a location where intraperitoneal fluid can accumulate.
Emergency abdominal ultrasonography is indicated in cases of suspected aortic aneurysm, appendicitis, biliary and renal colic, as well as blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma. It plays a crucial role in the timely assessment and management of these conditions, providing critical information to guide appropriate treatment decisions.

See also Handheld Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Pregnancy Ultrasound, Prostate Ultrasound, Interventional Ultrasound and Pediatric Ultrasound.

Sonography [aka: ultrasonography] is a term that encompasses the entire process of performing ultrasound examinations and interpreting the obtained images.
Sonography involves the skilled application of ultrasound technology by trained professionals known as sonographers or ultrasound technologists. These specialists operate the ultrasound equipment, manipulate the transducer, and acquire the necessary pictures for diagnostic imaging purposes. Sonography requires in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to accurately interpret the ultrasound images and provide valuable information to the treating physician.
Sonography uses equipment that generates high frequency sound waves to produce images from muscles, soft tissues, fluid collections, and vascular structures of the human body. Obstetric sonography is commonly used during pregnancy. Sonography visualizes anatomy, function, and pathology of for example gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, liver, uterus, ovaries, urinary bladder, eye, thyroid, breast, aorta, veins and arteries in the extremities, carotid arteries in the neck, as well as the heart.
A typical medical ultrasound machine, usually a real-time scanner, operates in the frequency range of 2 to 13 megahertz.

See also Musculoskeletal and Joint Ultrasound, Pediatric Ultrasound, Cerebrovascular Ultrasonography and Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound.

(TRUS) Transrectal sonography (also called transrectal ultrasonography, transrectal echography (TRE), endorectal ultrasound (ERUS or EUS)) is an ultrasound procedure used to examine the prostate gland, the rectum or bladder.
A small, lubricated transducer placed into the rectum releases sound waves, which create echoes as they enter the region of interest. A computer creates a picture called a sonogram.
TRUS is commonly used for guidance during a prostate needle biopsy and may be used to deliver brachytherapy and monitor cancer treatment. Transrectal ultrasonography detects enlargement, tumors and other abnormalities of the prostate, rectal polyps, rectal cancer, perianal infection, and sphincter muscle injuries. TRUS is also performed on male patients with infertility to view the prostate and surrounding structures and on patients with suspected bladder conditions or disease to view the bladder.

See also Transurethral Sonography, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Rectal Probe, Biplane Probe, Endocavitary Echography and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound.