title: Diagnostic efficacy of echography in cholestasis.
abstract: The usefulness of hepatobiliary echography was assessed prospectively in 32 patients with cholestatic jaundice. The predictive reliability of the method for detecting major bile duct obstruction was 93% and for excluding this possibility was 88%. Echography altered diagnostic thinking significantly in 22 patients (69%). Correct management decisions were made promptly in all but 1 patient who underwent unnecessary laparotomy for acute hepatitis. Laparotomy was correctly avoided in 2 patients and invasive investigations were not required in a further 12. It is concluded that hepatobiliary echography is a useful and cost-effective method in the diagnosis and management of the jaundiced patient.
mesh_terms: D002779:Cholestasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001651:Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / Q000175:diagnosis; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography