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

Journal Article · Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1978 · 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), Journal Name: Semin. Nucl. Med.; (United States) Vol. 9:1; ISSN SMNMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550601* -- Medicine-- Unsealed Radionuclides in Diagnostics
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ACOUSTIC TESTING
BILIARY TRACT
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
IMAGES
MATERIALS TESTING
MEDICINE
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
RADIOISOTOPE SCANNING
SCINTISCANNING
TESTING
TOMOGRAPHY
ULTRASONIC TESTING