Ambulatory sonography in clinical and general practice. Incidence and accuracy of findings and consequences
Becher, H.; Schölmerich, J.; Latocha, G.; Gerok, W.
Medizinische Klinik 84(4): 173-177
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0723-5003 PMID: 2657360 Document Number: 327207
In a prospective study an ultrasound examination was performed in 372 out-patients. 230 were examined in two physicians offices (group I) and 142 in a clinical ultrasound center (group II). The indication for ultrasound was different in both groups: 42% of patients in group I were examined without exact questions. Search for primary tumors or metastasis were more often indications in group II. More patients were found to have liver abnormalities and less biliary disease in group II. The impact of ultrasound findings on final diagnosis was not different. More diagnostic and therapeutic consequences resulted in group I, in particular in patients with cholelithiasis. A broad indication for sonography in the physicians office is justified given sufficient experience of the examiner. With respect to the consequences of the findings improvement is warranted.