Evaluation of the prone view for cholecystosonography.
Routine sonographic examination of the gallbladder is performed in the supine, right anterior oblique, and erect positions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prone view for examination of the gallbladder. To obtain prone views, the gallbladder is scanned through the right lateral intercostal spaces in the mid-axillary line, with the patient in the prone position. Prone views can be helpful in the diagnosis of stones, sludge, or polyps in the gallbladder. Occasionally, stones or sludge in the gallbladder can be demonstrated best or exclusively on prone views. The mobility of the stones can be demonstrated best by turning the patient from prone to supine position. Prone views are frequently helpful to avoid reverberation artifacts from the abdominal wall or bowel residue. Therefore, addition of the prone view to the routine supine and erect views is suggested for sonographic examination of the gallbladder.
D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000473:pathology*; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*