[Diagnostic quality control of hepatobiliary echography by autopsy correlation]

A methodology to evaluate routine ultrasonography performed in liver pathology is described. The results of 62 autopsies, undoubtedly the most accurate anatomical reference, were compared to those of sonographic examination of the liver performed two months before death at the most. Discordance was found in 23 cases. False negative results in the detection of metastasis and thrombosis of hepatic veins or inferior vena cava were the major pitfalls. The reasons and the consequences of each error were determined for each case.