[Ultrasonic diagnosis of liver metastases (author's transl)]

166 patients suspected to harbor metastases in the liver were examined by ultrasonics. The results of this examination could be evaluated in 113 cases, yielding a correct diagnosis in 92%; in 53 cases with uncharacteristic changes of the liver the presence of metastases could be neither proven nor excluded, thus the overall yield of correct results was 72%. In 124 patients ultrasonic findings could be compared with scintigraphic findings (99m-Tc-sulfur colloid): A false diagnosis was made on the basis of ultrasonic findings in 5 cases, on the basis of scintigraphic findings in 18 cases; no conclusive diagnosis could be made by ultrasonic procedures in 34 cases, by isotope scanning in 48 cases. The ultrasonic diagnostics has the advantage of low cost and no risk and allows to differentiate between solid and cystic lesions.