Abdominal ultrasound angiography.

It is possible with modern high-resolution gray-scale static and dynamic ultrasound scanners to visualize the abdominal aorta with most of its branches, the inferior vena cava with tributaries, and the portal venous system. The demonstration of aortic aneurysms is the major indication for ultrasonic scanning in relation to vascular surgery, but an ultrasound examination may also visualize a number of inferior vena caval and portal venous system abnormalities. A number of nonvascular disorders may be disclosed as well and a suspicion of hematoma or abscess formation postoperatively can be readily confirmed by ultrasonic scanning. The combination of ultrasound scanning and Doppler techniques to provide quantitative flow determinations is a most fascinating and promising area for further investigations.