Why should physicians use “Ultrasound First” when imaging the female pelvis?

Ultrasound First

Why should physicians use “Ultrasound First” when imaging the female pelvis?

Ultrasound technology has evolved dramatically in recent years. Ultrasound is more cost-effective and safer than other imaging modalities — such as MRI or CT scan for many anatomic sites including imaging the female pelvis. Along with colleagues from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, we are recommending the use of ultrasound first for female patients with pelvis symptoms, such as pelvic pain, evaluation of uterine bleeding and abnormalities and ovarian masses. 

For many other appropriate clinical conditions, ultrasound offers clear safety and economic advantages over radiographic exams, and yet evidence suggests that ultrasound is underutilized. Many clinicians are unaware of the range of conditions for which ultrasound first is an established guideline, and the gap only grows larger as research extends ultrasound’s diagnostic value.

The use of handheld ultrasound has been incorporated into medical training curriculums. The goal is to empower future healthcare workers to feel comfortable with the ultrasound technology and thus expand its appropriate use in their future careers. 

About the author

Alfred Abuhamad, M.D.

Dr. Abuhamad currently serves as Professor and Chairman for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. He is on the board of the Society of Ultrasound in Medical Education, International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Foundation and Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Abuhamad is Chairman of the Ob Right Program, a nationally recognized program in patient safety and quality. He is also the past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. He has published numerous papers in peer review journals and has authored two textbooks on fetal echocardiography. Dr. Abuhamad is well known internationally for his work in ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis, global outreach, and patient safety.