We carried out a prospective case controlled study to evaluate the temporal sequence of sonographic abnormalities in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and their resolution patterns. Correlations were established between the sonographic abnormalities and the clinical and biochemical profiles. Fifty-six patients within 2 weeks of onset of illness (37 within 1 week and 19 between 1 and 2 weeks) underwent real-time ultrasound at weekly intervals until clinical and biochemical resolution. Abnormal sonographic patterns were found in 55 of 56 (98.2%) patients. The wall thickness was abnormal (6.1 +/- 4.3 mm) in 55 (98.2%) cases, luminal abnormalities observed in 33 (58.9%) cases, and alterations in volume in 14 (25%) cases. Complete resolution took place in 53 (96.4%) cases by 12 weeks. A wall thickness of greater than 7 mm and abnormal luminal contents were more frequent in patients studied within 1 week of illness than later (p less than 0.05). No other correlations could be established between the different sonographic patterns and the clinical and biochemical profiles at any stage of the illness. We conclude that sonographic abnormalities are common in patients with AVH, with resolution as the rule with clinical recovery.