Summary
The study explores the feasibility of utilizing focused ultrasound for imaging small structures such as biliary ducts. Correlative radiological and ultrasonic examinations of common and larger hepatic ducts were conducted in patients with visualized bile ducts on various imaging modalities.
Radiography with a metallic skin marker was employed to mark the right anterior lower costal margin, and this marker was then correlated with ultrasonic observations using multiple oblique scans parallel to the lower costal margin. The common duct was successfully identified in 15 out of 21 patients.
Ultrasonic visualization is suggested as a viable method, for overcoming challenges associated with elevated serum bilirubin, iodine contrast media sensitivity, and pregnancy.
