Abdominal ultrasound shows most of the organs and structures in the abdomen and allows them to be assessed. If there are changes, the doctor can draw conclusions about certain diseases.
Blood vessels
Abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava. Detection of calcification and of any widening of the abdominal aorta (aortic aneurysm).
Liver
Size, echogenicity (e.g. fatty liver) and masses (tumours or metastases)
Gallbladder and bile ducts
Gallstones, inflammation and masses (pancreatic cancer)
Kidneys
Cysts, kidney stones or a widening of the renal pelvis, e.g. due to urinary retention, can be diagnosed, as well as masses (cancer).
Spleen
The spleen is enlarged in some blood diseases, but also in more severe infections.
Urinary bladder
Bladder stones or outpouchings of the bladder wall can be detected, as well as masses (cancer). Prostate: enlargement, in some cases suspicion of cancer.
Lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes next to the main artery always need further investigation (inflammation, malignant changes).