The Abdominal Mass Flashcards
What are some indications for ultrasound examination of the abdominal walls? 4
- Palpable mass (wall vs abdominal cavity)
- Surgical wound assessment
- Trauma
- Findings on other imaging modalities
What kind of transducers do we use for abdominal scans?
High frequency linear transducer
What is the amount of pressure we need to use for abdomen wall scans?
Minimal pressure - a stand off pad may be needed
What is the patient prep for abdomen wall assessments?
No patient prep needed
What is the abdominal wall layers? 3
- Epidermis
- Subcutaneous tissue
- Muscle
How thick is the epidermis?
1-4 mm thick
What is the sonographic appearance of the epidermis? 2
- Highly reflective
- Appears echogenic
What is the subcutaneous layer consist of and how thick is it? And what does it look like sonographically? 3
- Consists of fat
- Variable thickness and echogenicity
- Typically less echogenic than muscle
The echogenicity of fat is influenced by what?
Water content
What does the anterior and lateral muscle walls consist of? 4
- Rectus abdominis
- External oblique
- Internal oblique
- Transversus Abdominis
What are the Posterior wall muscles layers? 2
- Psoas major
- Quadratus lumborum
What is the Rectus abdominis? Where is it located?
- Paired midline anterior muscles
- Extends from symphysis pubis and Punic crest to the diploid process
What is the rectus abdominis separated by?
Linea alba midline
What is the rectus abdominis enclosed by?
Rectus sheath
What is the rectus abdominis formed by?
By the aponeuroses of the internal, external and transverse abdominis
The rectus abdominis contains three tendinous insertions between what?
Xiphoid and just inferior to the umbilicus
What does the rectus abdominis attach to?
Rectus sheath anteriorly
What does the rectus abdominis do?
Localize hematomas
What is the linea alba? Where does it extend from? What does it fuse with? 3
- A fibrous band
- Extends from xiphoid to the symphysis
- Fuses with aponeuroses of the three anterolateral wall muscles
What is the linea alba wider then?
The umbilicus
What is the sonographic appearance of the linea alba?
Echogenic
What is the arcuate line?
A point between the umbilicus and symphysis where the posterior portion of rectus sheath passes in front of the rectus muscle