Sonographic evaluation of jaundice in Benin-City, Nigeria. A preliminary report

We performed sonographic evaluations on 14 jaundiced patients over a six months period. Medical jaundice was correctly diagnosed in three, as confirmed by the subsequent clinical course. Sonographic features of surgical jaundice were identified in the remaining 11 cases, five of which were confirmed through either percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, surgery and pathology or both. Sonography is efficacious in the work-up of jaundice; since the technique is affordable and versatile, it is particularly relevant in developing economies where available resources are limited.