[Ultrasound diagnosis in Caroli syndrome--the method of choice]

Ultrasonic exploration of the upper abdomen renders diagnosis of Caroli's syndrome easier, whereas the recognition of this condition has been very difficult so far. Secondary diseases complicated the course and resulted in unsuccessful surgery, since the underlying cause was not detected. It would be desirable to diagnose this congenital disease during adolescence by ultrasonic screening. Once the correct diagnosis has been made, it seems possible to considerably improve the otherwise fatal prognosis by means of an adequate drug therapy.