Ultrasonography versus roentgenography in suspected instances of cholecystolithiasis

In a consecutive series of 102 patients with no jaundice and with symptoms of cholecystolithiasis, the predictions from both ultrasonography and cholecystography were compared with the final diagnosis. The accuracy of both examinations was high. However, in 38 per cent, single dose oral cholecystography failed to visualize the gallbladder whereas ultrasonography was conclusive in all patients. Judged by a simple scoring system, ultrasonography obtained a significantly better score than cholecystography (p less than 0.01) and an insignificantly better score than combined oral and intravenous cholecystography (0.05 less than p less than 0.1). Ultrasonography is recommended as the primary investigation in suspected instances of cholecystolithiasis.