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Echocardiography, also known as cardiac ultrasound, is the use of ultrasound to examine the heart. It is a type of medical imaging , using standard ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound . [ 1 ] The visual image formed using this technique is called an echocardiogram , a cardiac echo , or simply an echo .
Medical ultrasound includes diagnostic techniques (mainly imaging techniques) using ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications of ultrasound. In diagnosis, it is used to create an image of internal body structures such as tendons, muscles, joints, blood vessels, and internal organs, to measure some characteristics (e.g., distances and velocities) or to generate an informative audible sound.
Sonography does not use ionizing radiation, and the power levels used for imaging are too low to cause adverse heating or pressure effects in tissue. [38] [39] Although the long-term effects due to ultrasound exposure at diagnostic intensity are still unknown, [40] currently most doctors feel that the benefits to patients outweigh the risks. [41]
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common type of echocardiogram, which is a still or moving image of the internal parts of the heart using ultrasound.In this case, the probe (or ultrasonic transducer) is placed on the chest or abdomen of the subject to get various views of the heart.
Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), a branch of diagnostic medical imaging, is the use of imaging by medical ultrasound for medical diagnosis. DMS uses non-ionizing ultrasound to produce 2D and 3D images of the body. In Canada, the credentialing for diagnostic medical sonography is the Canadian Association of Registered Ultrasound Professionals.
Abdominal ultrasound can be used to diagnose abnormalities in various internal organs, such as the kidneys, [1] liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta.If Doppler ultrasonography is added, the blood flow inside blood vessels can be evaluated as well (for example, to look for renal artery stenosis).
A sonologist is a medical doctor who has undergone additional medical ultrasound training to diagnose and treat diseases. [1] [2] Sonologist is licensed to perform and write ultrasound imaging reports independently or verifies a sonographer's report, prescribe medications and medical certificates, and give clinical consultations.
The sex of the fetus may be discerned by ultrasound as early as 11 weeks' gestation. The accuracy is relatively imprecise when attempted early. [15] [16] [17] After 13 weeks' gestation, a high accuracy of between 99% and 100% is possible if the fetus does not display intersex external characteristics. [18]