Gray scale ultrasonic angiography of the upper abdomen.

Because of the limited resolution of conventional ultrasonic B-scanning units, visualization of normal vascular anatomy in the upper abdomen has been largely restricted to the aorta. By utilizing the newer "gray scale" equipment, it is now routinely possible to demonstrate the inferior vena cava and portal veins as well as several smaller epigastric arterial and venous branches with considerably improved clarity. This report presents the normal ultrasonic vascular anatomy of this complex area detected thus far and some preliminary observations regarding pathological alterations. Future potential applications of these findings are also discussed.