Imaging of the jaundiced adult

There are many techniques for imaging the jaundiced patient – the rationale for investigation depends on the history, examination and biochemistry. Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) is the initial technique of choice, and will differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive causes in the majority of cases, and can demonstrate the cause of obstruction in some cases. The role of MRI and in particular magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is rapidly increasing Invasive techniques, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be reserved for therapeutic purposes.