Cholescintigraphy, ultrasonography and computerized tomography in the evaluation of biliary tract disorders

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1979 · Semin. Nucl. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-2998(79)80005-7· OSTI ID:5883440

Weissmann, H S; Frank, M; Rosenblatt, R; Goldman, M; Freeman, L M

Newer modalities available for the evaluation of hepatobiliary disease include cholescintigraphy, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography. We have examined the relative strengths and weaknesses of each of these noninvasive techniques and developed a rational diagnostic approach for the evaluation of acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, and cholestasis. The procedure of choice for suspected acute cholecystitis is /sup 99m/Tc-HIDA cholescintigraphy because it is a highly accurate method for obtaining functional information with regard to cystic duct patency. In suspected chronic cholecystitis, the oral cholecystogram is the best screening procedure, followed by ultrasound for confirmation of gallbladder disease as the cause of nonvisualizaion. The role of /sup 99m/Tc-HIDA cholescintigraphy in suspected chronic cholecystitis is limited to those cases where the oral cholecystogram and sonogram yield disparate results, or where a patient is known to have chronic gallbladder disease and super-imposed acute exacerbation is suspected. Ultrasonography is recommended as the initial procedure for evaluation of the patient with cholestasis. It is highly accurate in distinguishing hepatocellular disease from obstructive jaundice, and when dilated biliary radicles are visualized, ultrasonography is frequently capable of identifying the cause of obstruction. If the patient's body habitus or gaseous distention makes ultrasonographic evaluation difficult, then computerized tomography is recommended, followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or transhepatic cholangiography, when needed.

• Research Organization: Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Bronx, NY
• OSTI ID: 5883440
• Journal Information: Semin. Nucl. Med.; (United States), Vol. 9:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BILIARY TRACT
SCINTISCANNING
TOMOGRAPHY
ULTRASONIC TESTING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DISEASES
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NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ACOUSTIC TESTING
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
MATERIALS TESTING
MEDICINE
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
RADIOISOTOPE SCANNING
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