title: [Radiation absorption, water content and contrast medium impregnation of gallstones].
abstract: Gallstones extracted by surgery were examined for CT density, which was compared with the x-ray-film, floating performance and chemical analysis of the stones. So far, the water content of the biliary concrements--14% on the average--has not been given much attention. Drying will considerably reduce the density; examination of dried gallstones yields a false picture of direct ray absorption. Pure cholesterol stones do not float in water, and they show positive values on Hounsfield's scale (+30--+60). The article discusses the question whether CT is suitable for effecting a better selection of gallstone patients who can be treated by drug therapy.
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D001654:Bile Pigments / Q000378:metabolism; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002765:Cholecystography; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D001654:Bile Pigments; D003287:Contrast Media; D002784:Cholesterol; D002118:Calcium
vernacular_title: Strahlenabsorption, Wassergehalt und Kontrastmittelimprägnation von Gallensteinen.