Ultrasonic diagnosis of abdominal disease in Kenya

This study presents the results of abdominal ultrasonic scanning in 108 patients attending a tropical referral hospital. Clinical diagnoses included hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic liver disease, amoebic liver abscess, hydatid disease, obstructive jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly of uncertain aetiology and renal cysts and tumours. Because of its ability to distinguish solid from fluid-filled lesions, we found ultrasonic scanning the most useful initial investigation for the differentiation of hepatic masses. Ultrasonography is also ideal for the diagnosis of abdominal cysts and is extremely reliable in differentiating extrahepatic from intrahepatic obstructive jaundice. It is a non-invasive procedure, quick and easily repeatable and has great potential in tropical medical practice.