(US) Also called echography, sonography, ultrasonography, echotomography, ultrasonic tomography.
Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in modern healthcare, allowing medical professionals to visualize internal structures of the body and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. Two terms that are commonly used interchangeably but possess distinct meanings in the field of medical imaging are 'ultrasound' and 'sonography.'
Ultrasound is the imaging technique that utilizes sound waves to create real-time images, while sonography encompasses the entire process of performing ultrasound examinations and interpreting the obtained images. Ultrasonography is a synonymous term for sonography, emphasizing the use of ultrasound technology in diagnostic imaging. A sonogram, on the other hand, refers to the resulting image produced during an ultrasound examination.
Ultrasonic waves, generated by a quartz crystal, cause mechanical perturbation of an elastic medium, resulting in rarefaction and compression of the medium particles. These waves are reflected at the interfaces between different tissues due to differences in their mechanical properties. The transmission and reflection of these high-frequency waves are displayed with different types of ultrasound modes.
By utilizing the speed of wave propagation in tissues, the time of reflection information can be converted into distance of reflection information. The use of higher frequencies in medical ultrasound imaging yields better image resolution. However, higher frequencies also lead to increased absorption of the sound beam by the medium, limiting its penetration depth. For instance, higher frequencies (e.g., 7.5 MHz) are employed to provide detailed imaging of superficial organs like the thyroid gland and breast, while lower frequencies (e.g., 3.5 MHz) are used for abdominal examinations.

Ultrasound in medical imaging offers several advantages including:

Diagnostic ultrasound imaging is generally considered safe, with no adverse effects. As medical ultrasound is extensively used in pregnancy and pediatric imaging, it is crucial for practitioners to ensure its safe usage. Ultrasound can cause mechanical and thermal effects in tissue, which are amplified with increased output power. Consequently, guidelines for the safe use of ultrasound have been issued to address the growing use of color flow imaging, pulsed spectral Doppler, and higher demands on B-mode imaging. Furthermore, recent ultrasound safety regulations have shifted more responsibility to the operator to ensure the safe use of ultrasound.

See also Skinline, Pregnancy Ultrasound, Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal and Joint Ultrasound, Ultrasound Elastography and Prostate Ultrasound.

From GE Healthcare.;
(CV Ultrasound) Vivid 3 - 'Vivid family system designed to address customer requests for another level of cardiovascular performance, and offer an even wider range of clinical applications in vascular, pediatrics and the OR. From color flow imaging with super-high frame rates to DICOM connectivity, the new Vivid 3 offers a wealth of technological innovations that enhance image quality, productivity and patient care.'

Specifications for this system will be available soon.

(CDFI) Color [colour, Brit.] Doppler flow imaging is a method based on pulsed ultrasound Doppler technology for visualizing direction and velocity of blood flow within the cardiac chambers or blood vessels.

See also Autocorrelation.

From Philips Medical Systems;
Introduced in June 2005, 'one of the less expensive and more dedicated' ultrasound systems.

From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'A Platform for Digital, Pure-Beam Imaging The high-performance, ALOKA ProSound SSD-3500 utilizes advanced ProSound technologies including:
Fully digital beam former A wide dynamic range, 12-bit A/D converter Multi beam processing.
The SSD-3500 also helps you achieve more efficient examinations. Its ergonomic, user-friendly design enables you to customize the system according to your specific application needs.'