What are the findings of a normal abdominal ultrasound with normal liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, abdominal aorta, and kidneys?

From the Guidelines

The ultrasound findings indicate a completely normal abdominal examination with no evidence of disease, confirming the conclusion of a normal abdominal ultrasound, and no further imaging or intervention is needed based on these results, though follow-up should be guided by any ongoing symptoms or clinical concerns. The liver has normal size and texture without any masses or lesions. The gallbladder appears healthy with no stones, and there is no bile duct dilation, which is consistent with the findings of a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1. The pancreas is normal with no surrounding fluid collection. The spleen size of 8 cm is within normal limits. The abdominal aorta diameter of 1.3 cm is normal, showing no evidence of aneurysm, as defined by a study published in the same journal 1. Both kidneys are of normal size (right 11.5 cm, left 11.7 cm) with no hydronephrosis (swelling due to blocked urine flow) or kidney stones. There is no free fluid in the abdomen (ascites).

Some key points to consider in the interpretation of these findings include:

• The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing gallstones, as reported in a study published in 2019 1
• The normal size and texture of the liver, which is consistent with the findings of a study published in 2023 1
• The absence of any evidence of aneurysm in the abdominal aorta, as defined by a study published in 2017 1
• The importance of follow-up and ongoing clinical evaluation, as emphasized in the provided evidence.

Overall, the findings of this ultrasound examination are consistent with a normal abdominal ultrasound, and no further imaging or intervention is needed at this time.

From the Research

Ultrasound Findings

• The liver is normal in size and echotexture with no focal lesions 2, 3
• The gallbladder is thin-walled with no stones, which is consistent with the findings of 4 that ultrasonography is the primary imaging technique of choice for patients clinically suspected of having acute cholecystitis
• No dilated intrahepatic ducts, and the common bile duct (CBD) measures 3 mm, which is within normal limits 4
• The pancreas appears normal with no fluid in the lesser sac, which is consistent with the findings of 2 that point-of-care ultrasonography can aid in the prompt diagnosis of several etiologies of acute abdominal pain, including pancreatitis
• The spleen measures 8 cm, which is slightly enlarged, but no other abnormalities are noted 3
• The abdominal aorta measures 1.3 cm, which is within normal limits 5
• The right kidney measures 11.5 cm and the left kidney measures 11.7 cm, which is within normal limits 3, 5
• No hydronephrosis or renal calculi are noted, which is consistent with the findings of 4 that ultrasonography is useful in detecting renal calculi
• No ascites are noted, which is consistent with the findings of 2 that point-of-care ultrasonography can aid in the prompt diagnosis of several etiologies of acute abdominal pain, including ascites

Comparison of Imaging Modalities

• Ultrasonography is a useful imaging modality for evaluating abdominal pain, particularly for gallbladder and biliary disease 4, 5
• Computed tomography (CT) is a useful imaging modality for evaluating abdominal pain, particularly for detecting renal disease and free intraperitoneal fluid 4, 5
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful imaging modality for evaluating abdominal pain, particularly for detecting hepatic, adrenal, and pancreatic disease 5
• The choice of imaging modality depends on the clinical presentation and the suspected diagnosis 2, 4, 5