What is the primary goal of abdominal ultrasound examinations?

The primary goal of abdominal ultrasound examinations is to evaluate organs within the abdominal cavity. This imaging modality allows clinicians to visualize various structures such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder, enabling them to assess their size, shape, and any potential abnormalities.

While other objectives, such as measuring the size of the liver or assessing vascular flow, may be components of a comprehensive abdominal ultrasound, the overarching purpose of the examination is to provide a broad evaluation of all the abdominal organs. Diagnosing infections can also be a consequence of this evaluation, but it is not the sole aim of the ultrasound. Therefore, the emphasis on the assessment of all abdominal organs encapsulates the primary goal of this type of imaging procedure.