Biliary sonography.

Abstract

Ultrasonography is a dynamic, powerful, and readily available tool in the armamentarium of biliary diagnosis. The use of this modality is indicated in the initial work-up of jaundice since ultrasonography is exquisitely sensitive to the presence of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary dilatation. The liver and pancreas may be screened for focal masses. In acute right upper quadrant pain, ultrasonography can assess the organs residing in this area, often yielding significant information in the diagnosis of gallbladder disease. Newer modalities such as color Doppler may add specificity and reliability to sonographic findings.