Imaging studies, which use sonograms to study various organs and confirm diagnosis of several disorders are gaining more importance. Being non-invasive, sonograms are widely performed to confirm the diagnosis of a condition and plan appropriate treatment. So, what are the different types of sonograms? Let us see in detail.
What Are The Different Types Of Sonograms?
A sonogram is a picture of the internal organs of the body taken using the high precision machines which use high frequency or ultra sound waves. It is through the bouncing of these sound waves from the organs inside the body, that a picture of the same is created. This technology, which is used in different types of sonograms, is extremely helpful in judging the condition of the internal organs in case of an injury or an abnormality.
The different types of sonograms include:
Echocardiogram
This type of the sonogram is specifically helpful in determining the picture of the heart, as it displays the structure and functioning of the heart.
There are two different types of sonograms or echocardiograms,
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram – In a transthoracic echocardiogram the instrument is placed on the ribs which then sends the sound waves into the body,
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram – In the transesophageal echocardiogram the device is placed in the esophagus.
This type of a sonogram is exceptionally helpful in detecting the abnormalities in the valves of the heart or in the muscle itself. Other than displaying a clear picture of the organ, it helps us see the pumping action of the heart too.
Abdominal and Pelvis Ultrasound
This is one of the important different types of sonograms, widely ordered. This type of sonogram helps show the images of spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, liver and pelvis. This technology does not use radiation like in case of an X-Ray and therefore it is used in children and women who cannot have babies.
Other than helping to diagnose problems in women, this ultrasound checks the organs for gall stones, kidney stones, appendicitis, pancreatitis, liver cancer and abdominal aortic aneurysms for everyone. It gives an idea of the structures in the abdominal and pelvic cavity, based on which treatment can be planned.
Doppler Ultrasound
This ultrasound is done to view the blood flow in the neck, abdomen, arms and legs. This is one of the different types of sonograms and is responsible for detecting any abnormalities in the blood flow of major arteries or veins in these areas. It checks the direction of the flow of the blood and detects any obstructions in the same. If a person has a blood clot in a large vein of a leg or in the pelvis, the doctor prescribes this ultrasound. In case of diagnosing and treating deep venous thrombosis (DVT), this ultrasound comes in handy. A clot can cause excessive problems and it is through this ultrasound that it can be detected and treated upon.
Obstetric Sonogram
Out of the different types of sonograms, obstetric sonogram is the one performed during pregnancy, to find the condition of the fetus and the pregnant mother. This device has now been extensively used by doctors as an essential part of pre-natal care. The spectrum of this sonogram includes examining the growth of the fetus, checking for abnormalities in the fetus or in the placenta, detecting the presence of multiple fetuses and confirming the quantity of amniotic fluid in the uterus which surrounds the fetus. Not only does this sonogram show the fetus, it helps detect the movement of the heart of the embryo too even when it is as small as 5mm long.
Breast Sonogram
Used to detect abnormalities in the chest region of women, this sonogram is the much detailed version of the mammograph or the X-Ray of the chest. This ultrasound is the primary method for determining the presence of the breast cancer cells in women and holds a distinguished place amongst the different types of sonograms.
Musculoskeletal Sonogram
This sonogram is preferred when the doctor suspects an injury or abnormalities in the joints. This is one of the different types of sonograms, that helps to view the real time images of the affected part of joints, which otherwise would have been extremely difficult to track. Not only does this help in judging the initial damage, but it also helps in assessing the recovery and in monitoring the effect of the treatment advised. Due to its extensive benefits, this sonogram is highly used by the orthopedic surgeons and physicians.
Neurosonograph
Neurosonography is one of the important types of sonograms, which is used to examine the blood vessels within the brain. It is used in case the patient has undergone some form of blockage or damage in the nerves of the brain or in cases where the nerves seem to be flawed in some manner. Usually suggested to trace the existence of tumors of the brain, this ultrasound is extremely helpful in detecting problems which can lead to death or debilitating strokes at an early stage.
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