Download Full Version AB-Abdomen ARDMS Exam

Courvoisier sign describes the clinical finding of painless jaundice combined with a palpable, distended gallbladder. This typically results from obstruction at the distal common bile duct, often due to pancreatic head carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma, leading to bile accumulation and gallbladder distention. In contrast, Mirizzi syndrome involves compression of the common hepatic duct by an impacted stone in the cystic duct.

According to Rumack's Diagnostic Ultrasound and standard clinical references:

“Courvoisier sign refers to a palpable, enlarged gallbladder due to obstruction of the distal bile duct, often from malignancy.”

Most thyroid cancer recurrences are found in the ipsilateral neck—particularly in the central (level VI) or lateral (levels II-V) compartments on the same side as the original malignancy.

According to AIUM Practice Parameters:

“Post-thyroidectomy recurrence most frequently occurs ipsilateral to the original tumor, commonly involving regional lymph nodes.”

Color Doppler imaging can detect ureteral jets, which represent urine entering the bladder from the ureters. The presence of bilateral ureteral jets confirms ureteral patency. Gray scale may show hydronephrosis but does not directly assess flow.

According to Rumack’s Diagnostic Ultrasound:

“Color Doppler demonstrates ureteral jets within the bladder, confirming ureteral patency.”

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) measuring ≥5.5 cm represents a significantly increased risk of rupture and often requires surgical evaluation. The sonographer must report this critical finding immediately to the interpreting physician. The sonographer should never disclose a diagnosis directly to the patient.

According to AIUM and SRU Guidelines:

“An aortic diameter of 5.5 cm or greater should be promptly reported to the interpreting physician due to the high risk of rupture.”