Ultrasonic cholangiography. Gray-scale B-scan evaluation of the common bile duct.
Gray-scale B-scanning permits evaluation of major portions of the bile ducts, especially those with significant dilatation. Injection of contrast material containing microscopic air bubbles through a T-tube with simultaneous ultrasonography detected multiple echoes filling in the previously echo-free area which represented the common bile duct, outlining both the duct and portions of the major tributaries. Reflections could be obtained from stones  within the duct. Follow-up examinations after surgery could be used to demonstrate shrinkage of the duct. Jaundice due to extra- or intrahepatic obstruction was successfully differentiated noninvasively.
D002758:Cholangiography / Q000379:methods*; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography