J Korean Radiol Soc.  1982 Jun;18(2):340-346. 10.3348/jkrs.1982.18.2.340.

Real time ultrasonography in obstructive jaundice

• Cho KS
• Kim HK
• Sung NK
• Kim SY

• KMID: 2463314
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1982.18.2.340

Abstract

Ultrasonography is a predominantly accurate, relatively simple unique diagnsotic method of obstructive jaundice. The ultrasonographic findings of obstructive jaundice are dilated intra- and extrahepatic duct with intraluminal hyperreflective echo or mass in and/or around the bile duct. The superiority of high resolution real time ultrasonography for the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice is based on the easy detectability of extra-and intrahepatic bile ducts by its multiple sectional images in a short time, the flexibility of probe and the small crystal size. Author evaluated real time sonographic findings 46 obstructive jaundice patients confirmed by surgery or radiographical examinations. The results were: 1. Diameter of extrahepatic duct in obstructive jaundice were varied from normal to 4.0 cm, mostly 8 to 10 mm in diameter (26%). Degree of dilatation of biliary duct appeared more prominent in cancer patients than any other causes of obstruction. 2. The site of obstruction was detected in85% (39/46) and its common site was common bile duct in 63% (29/46). 3. The diagnostic accuracy of choledocholithiasis and cancer was 82% (22/27) and 44% (4/9), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of the real time ultrasonography in obstructive jaundice was over all 75% (34/46).