Ultrasonography 2012

Over the last five decades, ultrasonography (US) has emerged as one of the most important imaging techniques in modern human and veterinary medicine. Its place and utility in equine and small animal clinics is more than established and it is routinely used. US is a safe and effective form of imaging that has been used for more than half a century to aid diagnosis and guide procedures. Over the past two decades, ultrasound equipment has become more compact, higher quality, and less expensive, which has also facilitated the growth of non-radiologists performing US examinations. Since US is a user-dependent technology, and as usage spreads, there is a need to ensure competence, define the benefits of appropriate use, and limit unnecessary imaging and its consequences. Both new developments in US technology and quality of the US examinations are being discussed in the year 2012.

From the days of early greyscale imaging in the late 60s and 70s, US has developed to modern sophisticated greyscale equipment, also integrating color, power, continuous and spectral Doppler imaging possibilities.

Also in animals, US has become one of the most frequently used diagnostic imaging techniques, besides radiography, because of its real-time capabilities and diagnostic yield of soft tissues. Furthermore, US is used more often as a guide for procedures and follow-up examinations during the cause of treatment. Advantages as compared to other imaging techniques are no ionizing radiation, relatively low cost, availability, and low risk to the patient. Disadvantages remain the fact that US is very operator dependent since the diagnosis is made during the performance of the examination.

So, where do we stand in 2012 in veterinary US?
The inquisitive human mind never rests, so there is always searching for newer and more innovative inventions, making diagnostic and therapeutic US easier and quicker. Reasons, why the industry as well as medical and veterinary personnel are working hard for technological advances and innovations, are:  [...]