THE NECK

摘要

Ultrasound examination of the neck challenging due to complexity and small size of the most clinically important anatomical structures and organs. With recent improvements in ultrasound technology and increased availability of high-resolution transducers, ultrasound imaging of the neck has become more feasible, indications for ultrasound examination have expanded, and accuracy of diagnosis has improved. Ultrasound examination is best performed with a 10-15 MHz linear array transducer. Linear array transducers have the advantage of eliminating artifact in the near field of the image but a standoff pad may be used to improve near field image quality if a sector scanner is used. Color or pulsed wave Doppler is essential for complete evaluation of bloodvessels and vascular organs such as the thyroid gland. High-resolution ultrasonography can be used in conjunction with guided fine-needle aspiration or tissue core biopsy for definitive diagnosis of lesions of the neck. Ultrasound has also been used toassist in interventional procedures such as chemical ablation of thyroid masses.