Clinician-performed abdominal sonography

Abstract

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasonography is increasingly utilized across a wide variety of physician specialties. This imaging modality can be used to evaluate patients rapidly and accurately for a wide variety of pathologic conditions.

Methods: A literature search was performed for articles focused on clinician-performed ultrasonography for the diagnosis of appendicitis, gallbladder disease, small bowel obstruction, intussusception, and several types of renal pathology. The findings of this search were summarized including the imaging techniques utilized in these studies.

Conclusion: Clinician performed point-of-care sonography is particularly well suited to abdominal applications. Future investigations may further confirm and extend its utility at the bedside.

Keywords: Appendicitis; Cholecystitis; Intussusception; Point-of-care ultrasonography; Renal colic; Small bowel obstruction.