Accuracy of dynamic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions.

In order to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic ultrasonography of malignant liver processes, 350 patients suspected of having malignant liver disease who had been examined sonographically were retrospectively classified as to the true diagnosis at the time of scanning. The true diagnosis was obtained in 218 cases. The prevalence of malignant lesions was 38 per cent. Comparison with the ultrasonographic findings yielded two false positive, five false negative, and eight inconclusive answers. The predictive diagnostic values were 97 and 96 per cent for positive and negative findings, respectively. It is concluded that in hospitals with an experienced ultrasound staff and modern dynamic gray-scale equipment, ultrasonography is the examination of choice in cases of suspected liver processes.