Total abdominal and pelvic ultrasound: incidental findings and a comparison between outpatient and general practice referrals in 1000 cases.

Ultrasound examination is a rapid and non-invasive method of examining the abdomen. Opinions differ as to whether the entire abdomen and pelvis should be examined in all cases or whether examination can be confined to the region of suspected pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of total abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examination in patients referred for primary diagnostic ultrasound and with particular reference to specific symptoms. The results of 1000 examinations were analysed. In 25% of patients, a significant abnormality was found and almost one-third of these were incidental findings. The incidence of abnormalities was not significantly different between patients referred via their general practitioners and those referred via the hospital outpatients department. We recommend total abdominal and pelvic examination in all cases regardless of the presenting symptoms.