Ultrasound Topic Guide

Ultrasound: Ultrasound (sonography, Doppler study) is a non-invasive diagnostic medical procedure performed to exam the internal organs and tissues of the body. There are several types of ultrasound, including 2D, 3D and 4D. An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, while a transvaginal ultrasound may be used to assess non-pregnancy symptoms

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Abdominal Pain in Adults

Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment of abdominal pain in adults and when to seek medical care for related conditions such as pancreatitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more.
Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual bleeding, can be either primary or secondary. Causes of amenorrhea include problems with the hypothalamic organs, problems with the pituitary organs, problems with the ovarian glands and organs, or functional causes (bulimia, anorexia, depression, etc.) Treatment for amenorrhea is generally directed toward the condition that is causing amenorrhea.
Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency. Abnormal enlargement or bulging of the aorta becomes an aortic aneurysm when this area becomes weakened. Some of the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm include back pain, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes of an aortic aneurysm include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammatory aneurysm, or injury to the chest wall. Treatment of aortic aneurysm depends upon the cause.
Appendicitis

The cause of appendicitis is not clear. Common symptoms of appendicitis include vague abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation, diarrhea. Some people have no symptoms of appendicitis. Treatment for appendicitis is generally an appendectomy (removal of the appendix).
Heart Rhythm Disorders

Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders are conditions that causes changes in the normal heartbeat. There are numerous types of arrhythmias, for example, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus sick syndrome, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular fibrillation. Signs and symptoms of an arrhythmia may include: Chest pain or discomfort Shortness of breath Palpitations Racing heart sensation Treatment for arrhythmias depend upon the cause.
Ascites

Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). The primary cause of ascites is liver disease such as; cirrhosis, acute liver failure (Tylenol, acetaminophen overdose), Budd-Chiari syndrome, and cancer. Other causes of ascites include congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatic disorders, diseases of the ovary, hypothyroidism, and direct irritation of the peritoneum. Symptoms of ascites include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, easy bruising, and edema (swelling). Treatment for ascites depends on the cause.
Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) describes a rapid, irregular heart rhythm. The irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia, results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. Atrial fibrillation may be treated with medications or surgery. There are many causes of atrial fibrillation, for example, pneumonia, heart disease, alcohol use, and thyroid problems. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain and/or angina, nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Atrial fibrillation is managed and treated with medication, medical procedures, and surgery.
Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer originates within the bladder, and may have several different causes, including smoking, workplace chemical exposures, diet, and the herb Aristolochia fangchi. Though there are several types of bladder cancer, cancer is most likey to develop in the interior lining of the bladder. Treatment includes a variety of options, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biological therapy.
Pregnancy, Bleeding

Bleeding during all phases of pregnancy may be dangerous, even though it can be caused by a large variety of factors. You should call your health care professional if you have any signs of vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy.
Blood Clots

Blood is supposed to clot to help repair a blood vessel that is injured. Clots or thrombi become a problem when they form inappropriately. There are a variety of illnesses and risk factors that can lead to blood clot formation such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and more. Diagnosis and treatment of blood clots depends on the cause and severity of the clot.
Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart that can be caused by a variety of other diseases, conditions, medications, and heredity. Cardiomyopathy causes can be categorized in several ways. One classification system is primary and secondary cardiomyopathy, another is extrinsic or intrinsic. The most common symptoms of cardiomyopathy are shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Treatment is generally directed toward the underlying cause of the disease. Prognosis can be very good, or in some cases very poor with heart transplant as the only option.
Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can be cured if it is detected and treated early. Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection, smoking, oral contraceptive use, and having a weakened immune system. Treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Learn about symptoms and treatment.
Blood Clot in the Legs

DVT or deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the leg. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and warmth around the area of the clot. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnancy develops inside of a Fallopian tube or outside of a woman's uterus. Causes and risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous Fallopian tube infections (pelvic inflammatory disease, Chlamydia, gonorrhea), previous surgery to the abdomen, use of fertility medications, prior tubal pregnancy, and use of an IUD. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, medical care should be sought urgently.
Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic related steatohepatitis) is a disease where by there is an increased accumulation of fat in the liver. This fat accumulation can lead to cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. Fatty liver disease is caused by a diet high in fat and calories, association with other diseases and conditions, and certain medications. Treatment for fatty liver disease depends on the cause of fat accumulation in the liver.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome (IT band syndrome) is an overuse injury often seen in runners. The most common symptom is knee pain. Rest, ice and the use of anti-inflammatory medications may alleviate symptoms. A doctor may prescribe physical therapy if the initial treatment described above is unsuccessful.
Inability to Urinate

The inability to urinate (urinary retention) may be caused by an enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, or ruptured disc. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Acute urinary retention requires a trip to the emergency department.
Incontinence FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence types, causes, health factors, symptoms, tests, treatment, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Infertility

Infertility affects about 6.1 million people in the United States—about 10% of men and women of reproductive age. A fertility specialist is usually an obstetrician-gynecologist (specialist in women's reproductive health) with advanced education, research, and professional skills in reproductive endocrinology.
Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is serious and requires medical treatment. Internal bleeding causes include trauma, medications, or insufficient clotting factors. Signs of internal bleeding include such symptoms as pain, referred pain, change in stool color, blood in the urine, or change in vision, or change in mental function. Treatment of internal bleeding depends on the cause.
Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellow staining of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment bilirubin. Examples of the causes of jaundice include; malaria, sickle cell disease, drugs, toxins, newborn jaundice, gallstones, pancreatitis, and autoimmune disorders. Some of the common symptoms of jaundice include yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, light colored stools, dark urine, and itching of the skin. Treatment for jaundice depends on the cause.
Kidney Infection

Kidney infection occurs when an infection from the bladder and urinary tract moves upward into the kidneys. Kidney infection is also referred to as pyelonephritis. Kidney infection has many causes, and common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, fatigue, burning urination, and others. Treatment for kidney infection is with antibiotics.
Kidney Stones

The kidney filters waste products and excess water from the body. Sometimes, because of factors that include heredity, diet, and medications, waste products crystallize in the kidney, forming stones. Symptoms and signs include severe pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, infection, blood in the urine, and others. Treatment includes medications, fluids, and other procedures.
Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is hard to diagnose as symptoms and signs are vague and nonspecific. Symptoms and signs may include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, or appetite loss. Treatment may incorporate surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Miscarriage

A miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is a pregnancy that spontaneously ends before the fetus can survive. There are classifications of miscarriage that include threatened, inevitable, incomplete, and complete miscarriage. There are a variety of causes of a miscarriage. Causes of miscarriage include defective genes of the fetus, chronic illness, including diabetes, severe high blood pressure, kidney disease, lupus, and underactive or overactive thyroid gland, acute infections, including Germany measles, CMV, and mycoplasma (walking pneumonia), diseases and abnormalities of the internal female organs, and other factors, including certain drugs like alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine. Symptoms and signs of a miscarriage are vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping. If a woman thinks she may be having a miscarriage, she should seek medical care with her doctor or go to an emergency department.
Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer occurs when tumors in the female reproductive organs, the ovaries, grow out of control. Doctors aren't sure what causes ovarian cancer, but heredity plays a role. Symptoms include: Pelvic pain or pressure, Pain with intercourse, Abdominal swelling and bloating, Urinary frequency, Constipation, Ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen), Loss of appetite, Feeling full after eating little, Gas and/or diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, and Abnormalities in menstruation. Treatment may include surgery followed by chemotherapy.
Ovarian Cysts

There are several different types of ovarian cysts (noncancerous growths). Follicular, corpus luteum, hemorrhagic, dermoid, endometrioid (endometriomas), polycystic-appearing ovary, and cystadenoma. There are a variety of causes of ovarian cysts. Some are previous history, irregular menses, increased upper body fat, early menses, infertility, hypothyroidism, or side effect of medication. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, pain after sex, urination, or bowel movements, nausea, or vomiting. Treatment depends upon the cause of the ovarian cyst.
Pain During Intercourse

Painful intercourse or sex (dyspareunia) is pain or discomfort in a woman's labial, vaginal, or pelvic areas during or after sexual intercourse. Pain during sex can be caused by endometriosis, vaginal changes that occur during menopause, infections, and uterine fibroids or growths. The pain may be upon entry to the vagina; deep or cramping pain, and muscle spasms or tightness. Treatment for pain during intercourse is directed at the cause.
Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (peripheral artery disease or PVD) causes narrowing of blood vessels to the body (other than the brain and heart). Learn about symptoms and treatment.
Phlebitis

Phlebitis and deep vein thrombophlebitis (DVT) are an inflammation of the leg or arm veins. Learn about causes, symptoms, treatment, and management.
Placenta Previa in Pregnancy

Placenta previa (also called low lying placenta) is a complication of pregnancy in which the placenta rests low in the uterus (womb) and covers all or part of the opening to the cervix. Causes include scarring, prior caesarian delivery, prior D&C procedure, and smoking, among other causes. The main symptom is bleeding. Treatment may include caesarian delivery.
Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an infection and inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that lines the outside of the lungs and chest cavity. The infection can resolve on its own, be treated with antibiotics, or in serious cases, result in draining of the essential pleural fluid and the subsequent development of adhesions, which can make it painful and difficult to breathe.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS, Stein-Levinthal syndrome) is a hormonal disorder in women. Symptoms and signs of PCOS include an irregular menstrual cycle, presence of excess male hormones, enlarged ovaries with small cysts, hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth. Conditions associated with PCOS include diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Treatment of PCOS can include medication or surgery.
Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation that affects 1%-2% of people in the U.S. There are several different types of psoriasis. Clinical types of psoriasis include pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, or guttate psoriasis. Psoriasis is typically found on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Symptoms and signs include red, raised, scaly areas on the skin that may itch or burn. Treatment may involve topical therapy, phototherapy, and medication.
Sprains and Strains

An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or tendon is called a strain. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, bruising, and decreased range of motion. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injury is the standard treatment for sprains and strains.
Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites.
Testicle Infection (Epididymitis)

Epididymitis is inflammation or infection of the epididymis that is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Two main groups of organisms are responsible for most cases of epididymitis; STD organisms and coliforms. Symptoms of epididymitis include abdominal pain, scrotal pain, scrotal swelling, painful urination, blood in the urine, urethral discharge, fever, chills, and nausea. Treatment is with antibiotics.
Testicular Pain

If you are a male, we don't need to describe what "testicular swelling, discomfort, or pain" feels like to you. And hopefully those around you can sympathetically understand the pain you're in. Medically speaking, testicular or scrotum pain is defined as a discomfort or pain in the testicles or scrotum. The pain can range from mild - to severe and serious as in testicular torsion - which is a surgical emergency.Causes of the pain range from common to less common; examples include trauma, epididymitis (testicle infection), kidney stones, testicular torsion (a surgical emergency), STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), enlarged prostate (BPH), inguinal hernia, orchitis (an inflammatory condition in one or both testicles caused by infections), cancer, kidney stones, abscesses, gangrene infections, vasculitis of the wall of the scrotum (henoch-schonlein purpura, HSP), testicular tumor with infection or hemorrhage, and varicocele. A doctor or other health-care professional can help diagnose the cause of your pain by performing a physical exam and ordering laboratory tests. Treatment of testicular or scrotal pain depends on the cause. In some cases, for example in kidney stones, the pain is resolved once the stones are removed. The prognosis depends upon the cause.
Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a painful condition caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which causes a loss of blood flow to the testicle. It is a surgical emergency that may result in the loss of the testicle. The main cause is an anatomical abnormality called the bell clapper deformity. Symptoms include testicular pain, sudden swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever. Treatment for testicular torsion is surgery.
Thyroid Cancer

Find out more about thyroid cancer's symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. The main types of thyroid cancer include papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that are either solid or fluid-filled. Thyroid nodules may be benign or malignant (cancerous). Thyroid nodules may be caused by goiters, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid cysts, benign thyroid tumors, malignant thyroid tumors, or thyroid cancer. Treatment depends upon the type and cause of the thyroid nodule.
Thyroid Problems

Diseases of the thyroid gland can lead to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid goiters, or thyroid cancer. Symptoms of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism-related conditions include constipation, fatigue, weight gain, cold or heat intolerance, to coma. Treatment depends upon the thyroid condition.
Urethritis in Men

Urethritis, inflammation of the urethra, may cause symptoms and signs that include discharge, burning, pain, urinary urgency, itching, and blood in the urine. Treatment involves antibiotics, sitz baths, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is when there's an involuntary loss of urine. There are many types of incontinence, including urge incontinence (overactive bladder), mixed incontinence, reflex incontinence, and stress incontinence. Potential causes of incontinence include overactive bladder muscles, weak bladder muscles, blockage of urine flow, and nerve damage. Treatment may involve dietary changes and exercise, including Kegel exercises and using vaginal weights.
Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors (non-cancerous tumors) of a woman's uterus. The exact reason why some women develop uterine fibroids is not known. Obesity, nulliparity, and early menstruation are conditions associated with uterine fibroids. Some of the symptoms of uterine fibroids include irregular vaginal bleeding, constipation, lower abdominal pain, infertility, and more. Treatment of a uterine fibroid depends on the size and location of the fibroid.

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Urethritis in Men Urethritis, inflammation of the urethra, may cause symptoms and signs that include discharge, burning, pain, urinary urgency, itching, and blood in the urine. Treatment involves antibiotics, sitz baths, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.