ABSTRACT
In a prospective echographic and radiographic investigation of 281 patients and in a retrospective evaluation of 86 operated patients, echography and radiography gave approximately equally accurate diagnoses. By using both methods no pathological finding will be overlooked. For reasons of radiation protection, echographic examinations should be carried out first. If the echographic results agree with the clinical findings the radiological cholecystography can be dispensed with. Radiological investigation should be carried out if the echographic findings are at variance with the clinical findings. Consequently echographic cholecystography certainly cannot replace radiography, but it does contribute in that radiographic examination can be used selectively.
Subject(s)
Cholecystography/methods , Radiography , Ultrasonography , Cholelithiasis/diagnosis , Humans , Prospective Studies , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The cockade phenomenon in the ultrasound picture is a sign of an infiltration of the gastrointestinal wall caused by tumour or inflammation. In 27 out of 40 patients with known infiltrations of the wall the cockade phenomenon could be demonstrated. In 16 out of 21 patients in whom this ultrasound phenomenon had primarily led to a suspected wall infiltration further diagnostic investigations proved organic wall thickening. Even if the cockade phenomenon is thus neither a specific nor a sensitive sign of gastrointestinal wall infiltrations the observation of this phenomenon is particularly important in patients in whom wall infiltrations of the gastrointestinal tract are not suspected.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnosis , Ultrasonography , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Crohn Disease/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Humans , Inflammation , Peptic Ulcer/diagnosis , Stomach Neoplasms/diagnosisSubject(s)
Pancreatic Juice/analysis , Pancreatitis/diagnosis , Ultrasonography , Cholecystokinin , Chronic Disease , Humans , SecretinABSTRACT
In order to assess the efficiency of ultrasonic diagnosis of the pancreas, echographic findings in 481 patients were compared with the final diagnosis in the case sheets. Agreement between the echographic results and the final diagnosis was found in 94.6% with normal findings, in 77% of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and in 85% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Altogether we have found agreement between the echographic results and the final diagnosis in 86.6% of all cases referred for diagnosis of the pancreas. The results correspond to the fiqures given by Rettenmaier. With adequate experience ultrasonic diagnosis should therefore be used as early as possible with a broad indication for all diseases of the pancreas.
Subject(s)
Pancreatic Diseases/diagnosis , Ultrasonography , Chronic Disease , Diagnostic Errors , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Germany, West , Humans , Pancreatic Cyst/diagnosis , Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Pancreatitis/diagnosis , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Because of a palpable swelling, 57 popliteal fossae were examined echographically. In 24 cases, the echography revealed a probable Baker's cyst. This diagnosis was confirmed by arthrography or at operation in 21 of the 24 cases. Two of the three findings which did not correspond were due to over-interpretation of the echographic picture and can be avoided in future by giving particular intention to the sound intensity. The causes of the discrepancy in the third case are still undetermined. These results show that echography is suitable for the discovery and assessment of Baker's cysts and should be used first as a non-invasive, painless, rapidly reproducible method.
