Impact of high-resolution computed tomography of the pancreas on utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and angiography.

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Abstract
The impact of computed tomography (CT) on utilization of other diagnostic procedures [in evaluating pancreatic diseases] was studied by comparing the results obtained in 2 groups of patients: 278 patients studied prior to the availability of CT and 300 patients studied using CT. CT enabled an accurate diagnosis in 74% of patients without the use of additional examinations. Utilization of CT as the initial imaging procedure resulted in a decrease in the utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and angiography by 68% and 54%, respectively. This resulted in a 47% decrease in the overall cost of radiologic diagnosis.