title: Percutaneous intraluminal US in the gallbladder and bile ducts.
abstract: The authors describe their initial experience with a dedicated intraluminal ultrasound (US) device that was coupled to a catheter and introduced percutaneously into the gallbladder and/or bile ducts. Access was created with interventional radiologic techniques in 22 patients and at laparoscopy in four patients. Thirty-one examinations in 26 patients revealed information on normal anatomy, pathologic processes, and responses to therapy. The pathologic processes seen included bile duct and gallbladder debris, stones, ductal strictures, and tumors. Additional information provided with this technique over other diagnostic studies included differentiation of intraluminal filling defects, examination of areas inaccessible to conventional imaging, and observations about the walls of the ducts and gallbladder. Percutaneous US examination of metallic stents within the bile ducts and of filling defects in the ducts at laparoscopic cholecystectomy was of particular interest and altered subsequent therapy. The procedure is simple, straightforward, and devoid of complications. While refinements and improvements are needed, this diagnostic technique holds promise.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Medical Center 92103.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: vanSonnenberg
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: D'Agostino
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Goodacre
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Esch
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Easter
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Gosink
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*