In which population is abdominal ultrasound most frequently performed?

Abdominal ultrasound is extensively utilized across various age groups due to its versatility, safety, and effectiveness in evaluating a wide range of conditions. Particularly, it is performed frequently in pediatrics, as it can help assess common pediatric issues such as appendicitis and abdominal masses without exposing children to ionizing radiation. Additionally, pregnant women commonly undergo abdominal ultrasound for routine checks on fetal development and to assess the health of the mother.

This imaging modality is not limited to one demographic but is crucial in multiple contexts, highlighting its importance in both pediatric and obstetric care. While elderly patients may also have a high prevalence of conditions warranting an ultrasound, it is the broad application across all age groups that signifies why this population is where abdominal ultrasound procedures are most frequently performed. The other options suggest a narrower focus that does not adequately capture the broad utility of abdominal ultrasound in clinical practice.