[Value of sonography in the differential diagnosis of icterus]

In early use the sonography may facilitate and accelerate the differential diagnosis of the jaundice. In parenchymal hepatic icterus frequently pathologic changes of the liver may be proved sonographically. The typical findings of dilated and thus sonographically demonstrable intra- and extrahepatic biliary ducts speak for obstructive jaundice. Characteristic constellations of dilated segments of the bile duct allow conclusions to the localisation of the occlusion. Changes which cannot be explained by sonography are a cause for further examinations.