Uso de la ecografía clínica en atención primaria: dolor abdominal agudo

Abstract

Ultrasound is a diagnostic technique with clear advantages (safety, accessibility, portability) that has achieved to extend its use to all non-radiological medical specialities, increasing the resolution and diagnostic capacity of the professional who uses it. For this reason, it is useful in the management of acute abdominal pain.

Acute abdominal pain usually involves an intra-abdominal injury that requires a quick and accurate diagnosis due to the possibility of needing an urgent surgical treatment, therefore, an on-time ultrasound may be decisive.

The diseases that cause acute abdominal pain and in which ultrasound provides more value are: aortic aneurysm and its complications, acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, renoureteral colic, acute diverticulitis and hemoperitoneum in polytraumatized patients. These diseases present easily recognizable ultrasound findings that make the diagnosis easier and help the doctor to be more confident in caring for patients with acute abdominal pain.