Enhanced ultrasonic visualization of kidneys via an abdominal compression pillow.
In order to improve the visualization of kidneys in patients who are scanned prone, a compression pillow is placed under the anterior abdomen at the approximate level of the kidneys. We hypothesize that the improved imaging occurs because the compression reduces the thickness of soft tissues overlying the kidneys and, therefore, lessens the amount of attenuation, scattering, and absorption the ultrasound beam undergoes. The benefits of this technique are illustrated in a patient with a renal cyst.
D001512:Bedding and Linens; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney; D052177:Kidney Diseases, Cystic / Q000175:diagnosis; D014463:Ultrasonography