Ultrasound Scans
in Pordenone

Abdominal ultrasound is one of the most frequently performed ultrasound tests and makes it possible to examine several abdominal organs.

Depending on the type of test (complete, upper or lower abdomen) and the clinical question, it may include the assessment of:

• liver;
• gallbladder and bile ducts;
• pancreas;
• spleen;
• kidneys;
• bladder;
• other abdominal and pelvic structures.

When indicated, the findings can be further investigated with a Gastroenterology visit.

A thyroid ultrasound makes it possible to examine the size, structure and shape of the thyroid gland and to detect any nodules or other abnormalities.

It may be requested, based on the medical assessment, in the presence of abnormal thyroid tests, known nodules or other clinical findings that require further investigation.

It is important to distinguish structure from function: ultrasound shows the shape of the thyroid, while thyroid function is assessed mainly through hormone tests and a medical visit. For this reason, thyroid ultrasound complements the endocrinological assessment.

A soft tissue ultrasound makes it possible to examine superficial and subcutaneous structures and may be indicated, for example, to investigate lumps, cysts, lipomas, enlarged lymph nodes or other palpable abnormalities.

It is particularly useful when a lump found during a medical visit needs to be characterized more precisely.

In dietetics and clinical nutrition programmes, ultrasound can provide useful information when conditions associated with overweight, obesity or metabolic imbalances need to be investigated.

A key example is the assessment of the liver, which may be indicated in patients with obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia or abnormal blood tests. In this context, ultrasound can help identify signs consistent with hepatic steatosis (“fatty liver”), which today is frequently associated with metabolic conditions. The local public health authority (ASFO) also includes upper abdominal ultrasound in the management of liver and metabolic diseases.

An ultrasound does not replace a medical assessment or laboratory tests, but it can become one element of a more complete pathway in which doctor, dietitian and nutritionist share the information needed to care for the patient.

Ultrasound can also be used in aesthetic medicine, a discipline that must always be regarded as a medical service.

In particular, ultrasound of superficial tissues can help with the anatomical assessment of certain areas, the identification of previously injected materials and, in specific situations, the investigation of any problems following aesthetic treatments.

At our Centre, any use of ultrasound in aesthetic medicine is always evaluated by the doctor based on clinical need, safety and the appropriateness of the treatment, avoiding automatic or unnecessary tests.

The test is performed with a probe placed on the skin, using a gel that helps transmit the ultrasound waves.

It is generally well tolerated, and the preparation depends on the area to be examined: for example, fasting may be required for some abdominal ultrasounds, while a full bladder may be needed for the lower abdomen.

We recommend bringing any previous ultrasounds, reports, laboratory tests and clinical documents that may be useful to the doctor.