Ultrasound findings in acute viral hepatitis.

Aim: Serological markers for the virus remain mainstay of diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis. However, it is not available in all part of our country. The aim of this study is to find out the sonological findings of the hepatobiliary system that may aid to clinch the diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis. Materials and methods: One hundred seventy seven consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis from June 2004 to June 2006 attending liver clinic were enrolled in this study. After exclusion of 32 patients 145 patients with definitive diagnosis by serological confirmation were studied. Result: Hepatitis E (85%) was most common followed by B (10%) and A (5%). Gall bladder finding was more common than hepato-splenomegaly. Collapsed gall bladder with increased wall thickness and pericholecystic oedema was present in more than 50% of the patient. In HAV hepatitis it was present in all patients while in HEV hepatitis it was present in 84% patients. Conclusions: Gall bladder findings in ultrasound are present in over 80% of enterically transmitted hepatitis virus. Thus, it can be used to diagnose acute hepatitis when serological tests are not available. Key words: Ultrasound, gall bladder, acute hepatitis.