title: Diagnostic imaging to identify the cause of jaundice.
abstract: Imaging studies can be helpful in identifying the etiology of conjugated (direct) hyper-bilirubinemia. An elevated direct bilirubin level suggests obstructive jaundice, and ultrasound or computed tomographic (CT) imaging may identify the responsible structural lesion. Imaging can also be used to guide percutaneous biopsy. A cost-effective strategy for determining the cause of direct hyperbilirubinemia rests on ultrasound as the primary modality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and CT are performed as follow-up studies only when necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging is rarely useful.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Barloon
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Bergus
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Weissman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D002761:Cholangitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D001651:Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006932:Hyperbilirubinemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography