Ultrasound in the Investigation of Biliary Tract Disease

Abstract

SUMMARY 88 patients with non‐opacification of the gallbladder were examined by Ultrasound of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Criteria for the diagnosis of gallstones are described. Employing such criteria we have had no false positive results in the diagnosis of calculi. Our overall accuracy rate has been 90% and we feel that this has been improved in examinations after this analysis was completed by expanding our criteria to include stones and their acoustic “shadow”, even when the gallbladder itself cannot be demonstrated. Thirty‐three patients with jaundice were examined by Ultrasonography as an initial procedure, not only because of its accuracy, as shown by our figures, but also because it is a safe, noninvasive technique. Criteria for the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice are described. In those patients with obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic disease, enlargement of the pancreas was successfully shown. In patients with hepatocellular jaundice, causes such as liver metastases, cirrhosis and Congestive Heart Failure were accurately diagnosed.