Dynamic sonography in the evaluation of jaundice

The value of dynamic sonography as a screening procedure in 84 jaundiced patients was examined and compared with the clinical evaluation of a blind prospective study. The predictive value of the sonographic diagnosis of obstruction was 97% and 84% in nonobstruction. The corresponding values of the clinical distinction were 87% and 92% respectively. The level of obstruction was demonstrated in 95% and the cause of obstruction was diagnosed in 68%. When the cause of jaundice is uncertain or obstruction is suspected clinically, dynamic sonography can offer high diagnostic accuracy and guidance for invasive investigations.