Real-Time High Resolution Ultrasound in the Detection of Biliary Calculi

Abstract

A high-resolution real-time ultrasound sector scanner was used in the evaluation of patients with suspected gallbladder disease. This technique is noninvasive, requires minimal preparation, and takes less than 8 min for a thorough examination of the gallbladder and related anatomy. In 17 mo., 959 patients were examined for suspected gallbladder disease and the gallbladder was adequately visualized in all but 5 patients. Follow-up information was obtained from surgery in 153 cases. There were 132 true-positive studies, 15 true-negative, 5 false-negative and 1 false-positive study. In a correlative study with oral cholecystography, calculi were detected ultrasonically in 5 cases that were missed on the oral cholecystogram.