What does B-mode ultrasound examine?
Mar 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Deng Tao
Introduction
B-mode ultrasonography is a morphological imaging modality that primarily evaluates the size, shape, and internal architecture of visceral organs; detects the presence of space-occupying lesions; characterizes such lesions (e.g., cystic, solid, or mixed cystic-solid), and assesses their margins and boundaries. It also detects the presence of pleural or ascitic fluid. Currently, it is widely used for evaluating the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, uterus and adnexa, and prostate.
During B-mode ultrasonography (commonly referred to as “B-ultrasound”), variations in reported measurements may occur across different hospitals, ultrasound machines, and physicians. These discrepancies arise from differences in equipment resolution, as well as variations in the depth and angle of the ultrasound scanning plane used when measuring various parameters.
What does B-mode ultrasonography evaluate?
B-mode ultrasonography is a morphological imaging modality primarily used to assess the size, shape, and internal architecture of visceral organs; to detect space-occupying lesions; and to characterize such lesions—determining whether they are cystic, solid, or mixed cystic-solid—and evaluating their margins, borders, and other features. It also detects the presence of pleural or ascitic fluid.
Currently, B-ultrasound is widely applied in the evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, uterus and adnexa, and prostate. In clinical practice, it is increasingly being replaced by color Doppler ultrasound, which builds upon conventional B-mode imaging by incorporating blood flow information. In addition to displaying the anatomical details described above, color Doppler ultrasound can visualize hemodynamic parameters—including presence or absence of blood flow, flow velocity, and resistance index—thereby enabling more comprehensive assessment.
Prior to pelvic B-ultrasound examination, patients are required to drink a substantial amount of water. Pelvic organs include the urinary bladder, prostate, uterus, and adnexa. A fully distended bladder serves as an essential acoustic “window” for optimal ultrasound transmission during pelvic scanning. To achieve adequate bladder filling, patients should drink approximately 500 mL of water about one hour before the examination and refrain from urinating—even when experiencing the urge—until after the scan, as this yields the most ideal imaging conditions. Additionally, to minimize interference from fecal material in the bowel, patients should evacuate their bowels prior to undergoing pelvic B-ultrasound.
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