[Diagnostic value of sonography and computed tomography in liver metastases]

The diagnostic accuracy of sonography and computed tomography for detecting liver metastases was analysed in 526 patients with tumors and the findings were compared with those at laparotomy and at post mortem. The surgical protocols were analysed in respect of the primary tumour, the frequency of metastases and the number, localisation and size of metastases. A comparison of sonography and CT showed a higher sensitivity for CT (57.1%) compared with sonography (52.3%) although specificity was slightly higher for sonography. Liver metastases greater than 15 mm were detected by sonography (80.5%) and CT (92%), with much higher sensitivity. CT also proved superior, since the results depended less on the size, number and localisation of the deposits and on the primary tumor than did sonography.