[Ultrasound of the large abdominal vessels]

Abstract

Ultrasound has recently become an indispensable tool for the family physician, whether exercised in primary care and emergency department; and likewise it has spread to many other specialties: internal medicine, critical care, neurology, pneumology, digestive, etc. and that ultrasound has proven to be a safe diagnostic tool and have great capacity. We firmly believe that ultrasound done to «bedside» the patient by the family doctor, can greatly complement the physical examination and greatly improve clinical effectiveness, allowing the browser an immediate view of the anatomy and physiology of certain structures. It is within this context is particularly relevant ultrasonography of the Aorta and large abdominal vessels, made by the family doctor or the emergency itself, which will develop along this chapter.

Keywords: Abdomen; Abdominal aorta; Aorta abdominal; Ecografía; Emergencies; Family physicians; Inferior vena cava; Médico de familia; Ultrasound; Urgencias; Vena cava inferior.