A study of the significance and accuracy of cholecystographic findings

Summary

• 1. A study has been made to determine the accuracy of cholecystographic diagnosis.

• 2. Gall stones were found at operations on 230 patients. Cholecystography had revealed stones in 72%. In addition, the roentgenologist reported stones in the case of 9 patients in whom no stones were found at operation.

• 3. In 103 patients no stones were revealed by cholecystography, but at operation 64 of the patients were found to have stones. In 54 of these 64 cases the gall bladder concentrated the dye poorly.

• 4. Among the group with poor or no concentration of the dye and no stones observed with the X-ray, there were several persons with disease elsewhere than in the gall bladder or liver.

• 5. When cholecystitis is greatly suspected and the first roentgen examination is negative, cholecystography should be repeated after a lapse of a few weeks.