From the Guidelines
The ultrasound findings indicate a completely normal abdominal examination with no concerning abnormalities, and therefore, no further imaging or intervention is needed based on these results. The liver shows normal size and echotexture without any masses or lesions. The gallbladder appears healthy with thin walls and no stones. The bile ducts are not dilated, with the common bile duct (CBD) measuring a normal 3 mm, which has a 95% to 96% negative predictive value for choledocholithiasis 1. The pancreas appears normal without any surrounding fluid collection. The spleen measures 8 cm, which is within normal limits. The abdominal aorta diameter is 1.3 cm, which is normal, as the normal dimension of the infrarenal abdominal aorta is up to 2 cm in the anteroposterior (AP) diameter 1. Both kidneys are of normal size (right 11.5 cm, left 11.7 cm) without any signs of obstruction (hydronephrosis) or kidney stones. There is no free fluid in the abdomen (ascites). These findings collectively confirm a normal abdominal ultrasound with all organs appearing healthy and functioning properly. Some key points to consider in abdominal ultrasound findings include:
- The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in detecting liver cirrhosis and biliary obstruction, with reported sensitivities ranging from 65% to 95% and 32% to 100%, respectively 1.
- The importance of considering the clinical context and patient history when interpreting ultrasound findings, such as the presence of jaundice or abnormal liver function tests 1.
- The role of ultrasound in screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms, with population-based screening studies recommended for male patients over 65 years of age 1.
From the Research
Ultrasound Findings
- The liver is normal in size and echotexture with no focal lesions, which is consistent with a normal abdominal ultrasound anatomy 2
- The thin-walled gallbladder with no stones is also a normal finding, and ultrasound is the method of choice for visualizing the gallbladder and identifying cholelithiasis 3
- The absence of dilated intrahepatic ducts and a normal common bile duct (CBD) measurement of 3 mm indicates no evidence of biliary obstruction
- The normal appearance of the pancreas with no fluid in the lesser sac suggests no pancreatic pathology
Organ Measurements
- The spleen measures 8 cm, which is within normal limits
- The abdominal aorta measures 1.3 cm, which is not indicative of an abdominal aortic aneurysm 4, 3
- The right kidney measures 11.5 cm and the left kidney measures 11.7 cm, which are within normal limits
- The absence of hydronephrosis or renal calculi suggests no urinary tract obstruction
Additional Findings
- The absence of ascites indicates no evidence of fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
- The overall findings are consistent with a normal ultrasound of the abdomen, which has a high degree of accuracy in detecting various abdominal pathologies 4, 3, 5
- Abdominal ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with abdominal symptoms, and its findings can guide further diagnostic and therapeutic management 4, 3, 6