Contents Contributors xiii 1. Basic Principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound 3 Sound Wave Characteristics 3 Generation of Sound Waves 5 The Interaction of Sound with Tissue 7 Instrumentation 10 Practical Considerations 17 References 20 Cases 22 2. Hepatic Ultrasonography 62 Hepatic Ultrasound Technique 62 Normal Ultrasonographic Anatomy of the Liver 63 Hepatic Pathology 64 References 67 Cases 68 3. Ultrasonography of the Gallbladder and Biliary System 116 Ultrasound Technique 116 Normal Anatomy 117 Pathological States 119 References 121 Cases 124 4. Ultrasonography of the Pancreas 168 Introduction 168 Normal Anatomy 169 Ultrasound Technique for Pancreatic Examination 170 Examination of the Normal Pancreas 172 Pathology of the Pancreas 172 Pitfalls in Pancreatic Examination 175 References 176 Cases 178 5. Ultrasonography of the Abdominal Aorta 226 Ultrasound Technique 226 Anatomy of the Abdominal Aorta 226 Pathology of the Abdominal Aorta 227 A Comparison of Ultrasound with Other Methods of Examination 228 References 229 Cases 230 6. Ultrasonography of the Spleen 244 9. Ultrasonography of Thyroid and Examination Technique 244 Neck Masses 452 Examination of the Normal Spleen 245 Introduction 452 Pathological Conditions 245 Anatomy fo the Thyroid Gland 453 References 247 Examination Technique 453 Cases 248 Pathology of the Thyroid Gland and Neck 454 References 457 7. Renal, Adrenal, Retroperitoneal, and Cases 458 Scrotal Ultrasonography 268 Renal Anatomy 268 10.