Bilateral is a directional term that means affecting or relating to both sides of the body. In ultrasound, this term is frequently used when describing findings in paired organs such as the kidneys, ovaries, testes, or in vascular studies where both legs or both arms are examined. For example, a report might describe bilateral hydronephrosis, meaning both kidneys show dilation of the collecting system, or bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler, meaning the veins in both legs were evaluated. Using precise directional terminology like bilateral, unilateral, right, and left is essential in sonography to communicate findings accurately and ensure that clinical teams understand exactly which structures are affected.
Sonography Term