[Value of tissue harmonic imaging in biliary lithiasis].

Aim Of The Study: To define the role of harmonic imaging in the study of biliary lithiasis.

Subjects And Methods: We included 50 consecutive patients with suspected biliary lithiasis. Three independent observers compared results of harmonic imaging and conventional ultrasonography.

Results: This study showed a better interobserver agreement with harmonic imaging for acoustic shadow (kappa=0.87 vs 0.68) and intra-hepatic biliary stones (kappa=0.79 vs 0.49). More stones and more lithiasic gallbladders were seen with harmonic imaging (27 vs 24) and visualization of gallbladder sludge and the acoustic shadow from stones (P=0.01) was better. Ultrasound examination appears to be easier and faster and the diagnosis is more certain with harmonic imaging than with conventional ultrasonography (P=0.005).

Conclusion: Harmonic imaging provides more information on biliary lithiasis and a more certain diagnosis.