Ultrasonography in obstructive jaundice.

The usefulness of ultrasonography in the preliminary evaluation of obstructive jaundice is described in 35 consecutive patients with icterus. Diagnosis was substantiated by laparotomy, autopsy, or liver biopsy. In 23 patients with dilated bile ducts at ultrasonography, obstruction by tumor, stone, or stricture was proven operatively. Obstructive jaundice was differentiated from hepatocellular jaundice in 86% of cases; the site of obstruction was noted to be correct in 85%. The accuracy in the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice was 100% in patients with moderate or severe icterus.