Contrast tomography of the gallbladder wall and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.

Rapid and reliable diagnostic methods are necessary for regular early surgical intervention in patients with acute cholecystitis. Eighty-three patients with clinical suspicion of acute cholecystitis were investigated with ultrasonography (US) and contrast tomography of the gallbladder wall (CTGW). The diagnosis in each case included in the study was verified either at operation or follow-up cholecystography. The sensitivity and specificity of US were 69 and 100 per cent, respectively. With CTGW the corresponding figures were 73 and 100 per cent. The combined use of these methods resulted in a sensitivity of 89 per cent and a specificity of 100 per cent.