The Graham-Cole 'Test' Revisited
The Oral Cholecystogram Today
- Harold G. Jacobson, MD;
- Wilhelm Z. Stern, MD
Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text.
Excerpt
The pioneer efforts of Graham and Cole to produce a radiological examination of the gallbladder were prompted by a desire to enhance and refine the diagnosis of gallbladder disease beyond that achieved by history and physical examination.
It is interesting to consider the background of the period in which the Graham-Cole test was designed. The specialty of radiology was not yet in formal existence (the American Board of Radiology was not organized until 1934). Drs Graham and Cole were not even radiologists. Both men, being members of the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, undoubtedly felt ill at ease about exploring or removing a gallbladder without first ascertaining its pathological state. The hazards of surgery, particularly those of anesthesia, were, of course, much greater than they are today, so that proper indications for surgery were paramount.
In addition to its relevance for surgeons, the article by Graham
Footnotes
-
Reprint requests to Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Radiology, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY 10467 (Dr Jacobson).
-
A commentary on Graham EA, Cole WH: Roentgenologic examination of the gallbladder: Preliminary report of a new method utilizing the intravenous injection of tetrabromphenolphthalein. JAMA 1924;82:613-614.
