Archives: Glossary

Portal hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the portal venous system, detectable by Doppler ultrasound through characteristic flow changes.

The popliteal vein is the main vein behind the knee, routinely evaluated during venous duplex ultrasound for blood clots.

A popliteal cyst (Baker cyst) is a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, well visualized by ultrasound.

The popliteal artery is the main artery behind the knee, evaluated by ultrasound for aneurysm, stenosis, and entrapment.

A polyp is a growth projecting from a mucous membrane surface, identifiable on ultrasound in locations like the gallbladder and endometrium.

Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, measured by ultrasound using the amniotic fluid index.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that may cause enlarged ovaries with many small follicles, identified on ultrasound.

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition that causes numerous cysts to develop in the kidneys, clearly visible on ultrasound.

A pneumothorax is a collection of air between the lung and chest wall, which can be rapidly detected by point-of-care ultrasound.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot, diagnosed and evaluated by ultrasound.