[Computerized tomography in the evaluation (author's transl)]

CT can clearly demonstrate dilation of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts due to mechanical obstruction. Note is made that the intrahepatic bile must not necessarily participate in dilation in obstructive jaundice. The cause in 27 cases observed in our institutions was as follows: 16 pancreatic tumors; 1 stone; 2 extrahepatic bile duct obstructions; 4 liver lesions (tumor and cirrhosis) and 4 with cause unknown. Furthermore, CT is helpful in the evaluation of hepatogenic non-obstructive jaundice such as due to primary liver cell carcinoma (hepatoma), metastases to the liver and advanced cirrhosis of the liver. The value of CT in the evaluation of different types of cholestasis is demonstrated by several exemplary cases; and the problems of differential diagnosis are pointed out.