title: [Value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of distal choledocolithiasis].
abstract: We performed real time echotomographic studies in 203 patients with a clinical diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. All patients were operated on and a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was established in 125. The same diagnosis had been made by echo in 69 of them for a 63% sensitivity rate. The specificity was 92% and the positive predictive value 93%. An improvement in sensitivity from 52 to 80% and in specificity from 91 to 94% along the 3 year study period was detected. This high yield of the echographic study, not widespread in the literature, may be attributed to a careful study of the intrapancreatic section of the common duct were 92% of the stones were found. Also, the experience and training of the radiologist performing the examination is essential.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arroyo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Strauszer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography
vernacular_title: Valor de la ecotomografía en el diagnóstico de la litiasis de coledoco distal.