What is the ultrasound of the adrenal gland and what is its purpose?

Close to the upper pole of human kidneys are the endocrine glands, which are called the adrenal glands. The examination of these paired glands is carried out using ultrasound, more commonly known as ultrasound. This procedure is often carried out together with a complete kidney examination.

Indications

Ultrasound of the adrenal glands can be prescribed, for example, in cases when there is a suspicion of internal hemorrhage in this area, tumors of various etiologies, cysts. The pathology of the adrenal glands is very difficult to diagnose, due to the small size of the formations in them. In this case, tumors in this area may not be accompanied by hormonal activity. Pathologies of these organs are also recognized as an increase (hyperplasia), inflammation.

Ultrasound of the adrenal glands does not require prolonged or any special preparation. The adrenal glands are located high and close to the diaphragm. These anatomical features create technical difficulties in performing ultrasound of the adrenal glands. Accordingly, the procedure is performed with a patient's breathing calm or delayed by the patient.

The detection of a change in the size of the organs under study or their shape allows such deviations to be considered indirect signs of small tumors. The same applies to the presence of deformation in neighboring organs, a change in the nature of the adrenal vascularization.

Ultrasound of the adrenal glands is currently the primary method of research, which allows obtaining the maximum of necessary information regarding the pathologies of the endocrine glands. The procedure itself, as mentioned above, is somewhat difficult. In this connection, a certain methodology is applied.

In particular, the right adrenal scan is performed during the patient's deep inspiration. Examining the left adrenal gland, the patient is placed on the abdomen and the organ is scanned from the back. Longitudinal scanning is performed in the position of the subject on the right side.

Before the ultrasound of the adrenal gland is carried out, the preparation consists, first of all, in the clinical examination of the patient by the endocrinologist, carrying out the corresponding hormonal analyzes. Other laboratory diagnostic examinations are also being carried out, and in addition to ultrasonic waves, computer tomography is also performed.

In order to obtain the most effective results with ultrasound of the adrenal glands, the patient should be limited on certain foodstuffs the day before. It is a question of food, which contributes to the formation of gas formation or which enhances this process. It's not a secret that gases in the intestine are an obstacle to such a procedure, in particular, it has to do with the study of the adrenal glands.

In what cases during the ultrasound of the gland are clearly distinguishable? Healthy adrenal glands have tissue characteristics that are similar to an organ such as retroperitoneal tissue. This factor further complicates the procedure under consideration. Not surprisingly, it should be performed by highly trained professionals.

It is this specialist, who has a sufficiently high degree of qualification and with attention to the patients, is able to explain the essence of the procedure to the examinee. You should be aware that the screen of the ultrasound monitor allows you to examine the adrenal glands only if the pathology is clearly pronounced. These are cysts, inflammations, tumors and hemorrhages. Normally, a healthy adrenal gland is a slightly echogenic band.

With all this there is a difference in the possibility of revealing the pathologies of these organs. If in relation to the right adrenal gland problems are defined in 90%, then to the left one in only 50% of cases.

What does this tell readers of similar articles? The fact that a timely examination of your body should never be neglected. Good health, I wish!