These ultrasound images provide a short-axis view of the posterior inguinal wall. Images A and B show the left side and images C and D the right side. The superimposed red line indicates the posterior inguinal wall. Images A and C were obtained with the patient at rest, while images B and D were obtained while the patient was straining (ie, performing a valsalva maneuver). With the patient at rest, the wall is concave, but it displaces anteriorly as a convex bulge (indicated by arrows) with straining. The bulge is more prominent on the left side (image B). The rectus abdominis (R) and lateral abdominal muscles (M) are indicated.
