Jaundice
Jaundice is yellowing of the eyes and skin caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body.
When to get help quickly: Jaundice needs prompt medical review, especially if it appears suddenly or comes with pain, fever, vomiting, weight loss, or confusion.
Common symptoms
The eyes or skin may look yellow, and some people also notice dark urine, pale stool, itching, abdominal pain, fever, or feeling unwell.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when doctors need to look for blockage of the bile ducts, liver disease, gallstones, inflammation, or a mass causing the jaundice.
What radiology does
Ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used to look for bile duct blockage, liver disease, gallstones, or tumors causing the jaundice.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on the cause and may involve treating liver disease, removing a blockage, or addressing infection or cancer.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- MRCP ScanAn MRCP is an MRI scan designed to focus on the complex network of tubes carrying digestive fluids in your abdomen. It is very good for investigating unexplained jaundice, abdominal pain, or suspected gallstones.
- Abdominal UltrasoundAn Abdominal Ultrasound examines the major organs in your belly, such as your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. This quick test paints a picture of your digestive and filtration organs using sound waves.
- Biliary StentingBiliary drainage or stenting can relieve selected bile-duct obstruction, but drainage may be incomplete and infection, bleeding, leakage, blockage, or repeat procedures can occur.