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Table 45-3

  • Plain radiography (limited role in evaluation of liver disease)
  • Ultrasonography (primary screening test for hepatic parenchymal disease and extrahepatic disease)
  • Computed tomography (supplements scanning ultrasonography)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (evaluation of hepatobiliary disease)
    • Need a 20-second breath hold that may require sedation or anesthesia in young or uncooperative patients
  • Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (determine the site and cause of biliary obstruction)
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: u
    • Uses endoscopy to visualize the ampule of Vater and selectively inject contrast material into the pancreatic and common bile ducts