Archives: Glossary

A sonographic assessment of IVC diameter change with respiration used to estimate right atrial pressure and volume status.

Permanent dilation of the aorta to 1.5 times its normal diameter or greater — the abdominal aorta is screened with ultrasound in high-risk populations.

Enlargement of the main pancreatic duct on ultrasound, normally less than 3 mm — a key finding in pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

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

Enlargement of the bile ducts on ultrasound, indicating obstruction — the common bile duct normally measures less than 6 mm.

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

A sonographic finding of increased gallbladder wall thickness (>3 mm), associated with cholecystitis but also many systemic conditions.

Abnormal placental attachment to the uterine wall — accreta, increta, or percreta — evaluated on ultrasound in high-risk pregnancies.

A condition in which the fetus fails to reach its growth potential, defined by ultrasound biometry and Doppler surveillance.

Standardized ultrasound measurements of the fetus used to estimate gestational age, assess growth, and calculate estimated fetal weight.