Sonography of the anterior abdominal wall

Abstract

The modality of sonography has made possible noninvasive visualization of the abdominal wall. Such an examination is useful for solving many diagnostic dilemmas in patients, for example, with suspected hernia, trauma, hemorrhage, postoperative fever, incisional pain, or palpable mass. We feel that evaluation of the abdominal wall should be included routinely in ultrasound examinations. The anatomy of the abdominal wall includes the skin, variable amounts of subcutaneous fat and muscle. The musculature is divided into anterolateral and medial (rectus) groups separated by the linea semilunaris. The paired recti are joined in the midline by the Linea Alba. The anterior abdominal wall is separated from the intra-abdominal structures by the peritoneal-fascial interface. Knowledge of the relationship of abdominal wall structures is important in understanding the appearance, location and types of lesions that affect this region. Hematomas, hernias, neoplasms, abscesses and other pathology can be demonstrated with careful attention to technique.