Radiologic evaluation of the jaundiced patient. Diagnostic and therapeutic role of current procedures.
Radiologic evaluation of the jaundiced patient generally begins with ultrasound. Computed tomography may provide better information regarding the exact level of obstruction, but it is more expensive and time-consuming than ultrasound and carries the risk associated with intravenous contrast. It thus should be used only when ultrasound findings are likely to be inadequate. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are both relatively safe, reliable procedures for direct opacification of the biliary tree. The choice depends on clinical and ultrasound findings. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography provides a foundation for percutaneous drainage if necessary. Cholescintigraphy in the jaundiced patient provides physiologic information but poor anatomic detail. It is useful in establishing common duct functional patency.
D002758:Cholangiography / Q000379:methods; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography