Ultrasound Glossary

A group of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively, diagnosed primarily through echocardiography.

The carotid arteries supply blood to the head and brain. Learn about carotid anatomy, disease, and carotid ultrasound.

One of the major arteries in the neck that supplies blood to the brain, face, and neck, and is one of the most frequently examined vessels in vascular ultrasound.

The point in the neck where the common carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid arteries, a common site for plaque buildup.

A small cluster of specialized cells at the carotid bifurcation that monitors blood oxygen levels and can occasionally develop tumors visible on ultrasound.

A natural widening at the beginning of the internal carotid artery where blood flow slows and plaque commonly develops.

A tear in the wall of the carotid artery that can restrict blood flow to the brain and cause stroke, sometimes detectable with ultrasound.

A vascular ultrasound examination combining B-Mode imaging and Doppler to evaluate the carotid arteries for plaque and stenosis.

Deposits of fatty material and calcium on the inner walls of the carotid arteries that can narrow the vessel and increase stroke risk.

Narrowing of the carotid artery, usually from plaque buildup, that reduces blood flow to the brain and increases the risk of stroke.

A common condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can be diagnosed using musculoskeletal ultrasound.

The most common benign tumor of the liver, appearing on ultrasound as a bright, well-defined mass with characteristic features.

Cardiovascular Credentialing International — a credentialing body offering the RCS and RCCS credentials for cardiac sonographers.

The beginning of the large intestine, located in the lower right abdomen, where the appendix is attached.

The first major branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and pancreas.

The short arterial segment that branches from the aorta and immediately divides to supply the upper abdominal organs.

A superficial vein running along the outer side of the arm that is commonly used for IV access and evaluated during upper extremity venous ultrasound.

A birth defect in which brain tissue or its covering membranes protrude through an opening in the skull, detectable on prenatal ultrasound.

The part of the brain located at the back of the skull that coordinates movement and balance, routinely measured during prenatal and neonatal ultrasound.

A weak, ballooning area in a brain artery that carries a risk of rupture, which can be monitored indirectly with transcranial Doppler.

Any of the major arteries supplying blood to the brain, which can be assessed for flow abnormalities using transcranial Doppler ultrasound.

Shrinkage or loss of brain tissue that results in enlarged ventricles and widened spaces between the brain’s folds, visible on cranial ultrasound.

Swelling of the brain due to excess fluid accumulation, which can be detected on neonatal cranial ultrasound as increased echogenicity of the brain tissue.

Bleeding within the brain that can occur in premature infants, trauma patients, and stroke victims, readily detected with ultrasound in newborns.

Death of brain tissue due to loss of blood supply, commonly known as a stroke, which can sometimes be detected with ultrasound in newborns.

A group of disorders affecting movement and posture caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

One of two thick bundles of nerve fibers connecting the cerebrum to the brainstem, identifiable on neonatal cranial ultrasound.

The clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, appearing as dark (anechoic) areas within the ventricles on cranial ultrasound.

The medical term for a stroke, which occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, and can be prevented through carotid ultrasound screening.

The largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres, responsible for thought, movement, and sensation, evaluated in neonatal cranial ultrasound.

Professional certification verifies that a sonographer has met national standards of knowledge and skill. Learn about ARDMS certifications.

A stitch placed around the cervix during pregnancy to help keep it closed and prevent premature delivery, monitored with ultrasound.

A condition in which the cervix begins to open too early during pregnancy, which can lead to premature delivery and is monitored with transvaginal ultrasound.

The measurement of the cervix from the internal to the external opening, performed with transvaginal ultrasound to assess the risk of preterm birth.

A small, bean-shaped immune system organ in the neck that can become enlarged due to infection, inflammation, or cancer, and is easily evaluated with ultrasound.

Inflammation of the cervix, often caused by infection, which can be assessed with transvaginal ultrasound.

The lower, narrow portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina, routinely evaluated with ultrasound during pregnancy and gynecological examinations.

A structural defect in the back of the skull that causes brain tissue to extend into the spinal canal, sometimes detectable on prenatal or neonatal ultrasound.

A type of ovarian cyst filled with old, dark blood from endometriosis, named for its resemblance to melted chocolate.

A cancer arising from the cells lining the bile ducts, which can cause bile duct dilation detectable on ultrasound.

An imaging procedure that visualizes the bile ducts, typically using contrast dye, to detect stones, tumors, or other blockages.

A serious infection of the bile duct system, usually caused by a blockage, that can be evaluated with ultrasound.

Inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by gallstones — diagnosed on ultrasound by wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, and sonographic Murphy sign.

A severe, life-threatening form of gallbladder inflammation caused by gas-forming bacteria, showing gas within the gallbladder wall on ultrasound.

A hormone that causes the gallbladder to contract and release bile, sometimes used during ultrasound studies to test gallbladder function.

A congenital dilation of the bile ducts that can be detected on prenatal or postnatal ultrasound and may require surgical treatment.

Gallstones within the common bile duct, identified on ultrasound by hyperechoic shadowing foci within a dilated duct.

The medical term for gallstones, which are one of the most common findings on abdominal ultrasound.