[Cholecystography with ceruletide. Results and evaluation of its routine use]

Cholecystography has been up to day used as unique or first instance examination in patients suspected to have chronic gallbladder diseases. On the other hand, cholecystosonography is proposed with increasing frequence as first examination for simple and rapid detection of cholelithiasis. Results of high standard cholecystography are therefore welcomed in order to assess it present role in respect to diagnostic ultrasounds. On this basis, the authors reports the results of systematic administration of ceruletide in 300 clinically unselected patients with a good opacification at cholecystography. Ceruletide has been demonstrated to be rarely accompanied by a few minor side effects, to have a cholecystokinetic effect more rapid and intense than fatty meal and cholecystokinine and to be followed by frequent diagnostic visualization of cystic duct and choledochus. Small gallbladder stones, diffuse and segmentary cholecystosis and cholecystostasis, with clinical relevance, were easily detected and may be therefore considered as elective indications of ceruletide-assisted-cholecystography. Systemic administration of ceruletide in the course of cholecystography is apt to push its diagnostic possibilities to a maximum extent, allowing appropriate comparison of effectiveness with cholecystosonography in view of their complementary role.