Evaluation of hepatobiliary imaging by radionuclide scintigraphy, ultrasonography, and contrast cholangiography.

Cholescintigraphy, ultrasonography, and contrast cholangiography were compared in 60 patients. Among those having abdominal pain but no biliary disease or jaundice, cholescintigraphy was normal in 14/14, ultrasound in 10/13, and cholangiography in 13/14. Jaundice due to hepatocellular disease was correctly distinguished from complete biliary obstruction by cholescintigraphy in 17/17 patients and by ultrasound in 14/17. In cholelithiasis, ultrasound was abnormal in 10/12 and cholangiography in 7/9. Cholescintigraphy appeared most sensitive to active cholecystitis; only cholangiography and ultrasound visualized gallstones.