Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: comparison between MR cholangiography and direct cholangiography

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography with that of direct cholangiography for the evaluation of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis underwent MR cholangiography before surgery, and 18 of these 24 also underwent direct cholangiography. Two reviewers evaluated MR cholangiograms and direct cholangiograms and focused on identifying intrahepatic ductal dilatation, stricture, and calculi, as well as coexistent parenchymal abnormalities, on the basis of the classification of the internal lobes and segments of the liver. These observations were compared with surgical findings. RESULTS: According to examination results in the surgical specimens, 24 patients had 46 segmental abnormalities. MR cholangiography depicted all 46 (100%) segments with ductal dilatation, 22 (96%) of 23 segments with focal ductal stricture, and 43 (98%) of 44 segments with ductal calculi. Eighteen patients who underwent direct cholangiography had 32 segmental abnormalities according to examination results in the surgical specimens. Direct cholangiography depicted 15 (47%) of 32 segments with ductal dilatation, eight (44%) of 18 segments with focal ductal stricture, and 14 (45%) of 31 segments with ductal calculi. CONCLUSION: MR cholangiography is superior to direct cholangiography for accurate topographic evaluation of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis because it is able to depict all of the biliary tree, despite obstruction or stenosis.     

Functional causes of the ductal obstructive pattern on hepatobiliary scans

Hepatobiliary imaging with Tc-99m IDA derivatives has proven value for evaluation of biliary disease. Prompt hepatocellular uptake with persistent nonvisualization of the common bile duct and bowel is usually indicative of a high-grade common bile duct obstruction, but is not pathognomonic. A functional abnormality due to hepatocyte dysfunction resulting in intrahepatic cholestasis can also cause this pattern. Two cases of hepatocellular excretory dysfunction, one due to E. coli endotoxemia with intrahepatic cholestasis and the other due to acute hepatitis A that produces ductal obstructive patterns on Tc-99m disofenin scintigraphy in patients with documented patent biliary ducts, are reported. Transhepatic cholangiography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography may be useful when the diagnosis of biliary ductal obstruction is in doubt.     

Sclerosing cholangitis: cholescintigraphy with Tc-99m-labeled DISIDA

Four patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) were examined with the hepatobiliary agent Tc-99m-labeled DISIDA (diisopropylphenylcarbamoyl iminodiacetic acid), and the results correlated with those of invasive cholangiography. Three of the four patients exhibited a typical pattern of multiple, persistent focal "hot spots" in the duct system, representing stasis within the segmental ductal dilatations (beading), also seen on cholangiography. Cholescintigraphy is superior to cholangiography in cases of suspected PSC where there is nonfilling of biliary radicals due to high-grade stenosis. The finding of delayed hepatic parenchymal clearance can allow estimation of the degree of obstruction of the various branches of the major bile ducts. Cholescintigraphy offers a noninvasive method of investigating patients with suspected sclerosing cholangitis, leading to earlier diagnosis. Confirmation with invasive cholangiographic procedures is recommended.     

Endoscopic retrograde intrahepatic cholangiogram: radiographic findings in intrahepatic disease.

Endoscopic retrograde intrahepatic cholangiograms were evaluated in 107 patients and correlated with intrahepatic diagnoses determined by liver biopsy. Included were normal livers (six), cirrhosis (38) portal fibrosis (14), cholangitis (22), metastases (11), and miscellaneous diagnoses (16). Results suggest that differentiation of the normal from the abnormal intrahepatic biliary system using the endoscopic retrograde intrahepatic cholangiogram is possible, and that certain patterns of abnormality prevail within given disease categories. The cholangiogram in cirrhosis is marked by ductular stenosis, diminished arborization, tortuosity, and approximation of the intrahepatic ducts. Sclerosing cholangitis demonstrates focal stenoses with concomitant ectasias and frequent similar involvement of the extrahepatic system. Chronic cholangitis and portal fibrosis are frequently associated with extrahepatic obstructing lesions and increased intrahepatic ductal caliber, but demonstrate no distinguishing intrahepatic characteristics. Intrahepatic metastases, polycystic liver disease, and primary hepatic neoplasm produce mass effects consisting of ductal displacement, narrowing, and obstruction. The potential of endoscopic retrograde intrahepatic cholangiography in evaluating the intraheptic biliary tree is significant; specifically in separating normal from abnormal, in distinguishing between intrahepatic processes, and as an adjunct to liver biopsy in determining the extent and location of intrahepatic abnormalities.     

对肝外胆管梗阻时“软藤征”的再认识

本文回顾性分析了48例“软藤征”的病因,其中恶性疾病28例(占58.3％),良性疾病20例(占41.7％)。据本文资料,作者认为“软藤征”是肝管分叉部及肝外胆管急性完全(或接近完全)性梗阻时肝内胆管扩张的特征性X线表现,并非恶性梗阻特有,良性梗阻亦常见。作者指出,只要肝内胆管无或仅有轻度炎症,胆管具有良好的弹性和扩张性,不论良、恶性病变都可出现“软藤征”。那种认为当梗阻病变未显示时,仅根据“软藤征”即可作出恶性梗阻诊断的观点很值得商榷。作者认为,“软藤征”的定性及病因诊断主要应根据PTC或ERCP,或二者联合显示梗阻局部病变的形态学特征来确定。     

MRCP诊断梗阻性黄疸及其影像学对比研究

目的 探讨MRCP在梗阻性黄疸中的诊断价值。方法 对75例梗阻性黄疸患行MRCP检查，原始图像作三维重建，然后分析其影像表现及诊断结果，并与US、CT和直接胰胆管造影进行比较，对照手术病理结果进行分析结果本组75例中MRCP确诊71例，误诊4例，确诊率95％，与直接胰胆管造影(92％）相近，明显高于US(74％)和CT(75％)。MRCP对梗阻性黄疸定位诊断准确率为100％。结论 MRCP作为无创性检查技术，完整清晰地显示胰胆管系统结构，提高了，梗阻性黄疸的定位和定性诊断率，为临床保守或手术治疗提供可靠依据，可作为梗阻性黄疸患的首选影像学检查方法。     

肝外胆管癌X线和超声诊断的探讨

本文归纳了30例肝外胆管癌用PTC、ERCP、术中或术后“T”形管造影的X线征象:完全性阻塞端形态有杯口、截断、钝圆、尖削、不规则等;不完全阻塞端有菜花状、不规则、局限性狭窄等。低张钡餐检查对远段胆道病变,仍不失为简易有效的手段。US对肝内胆管扩张和结石的准确率很高,但胆总管下段病变受到限制。为了合理利用各种检查方法,设计了以US为第一步的筛选程序,在CT尚不普及的情况下是切实可行的。     

Imaging of the intrahepatic biliary tree with thick slice MR cholangiography]

PURPOSE: To assess the value of single shot fast spin echo MR sequence (SS-FSE) in the evaluation of the normal and pathologic intrahepatic biliary tree. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 418 consecutive patients (457 examinations) referred for clinical and/or biological suspicion of biliary obstruction underwent MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). All patients were imaged with a Signa 1.5 T GE MR unit, with High Gradient Field Strength and Torso Phased Array Coil. Biliary ducts were imaged with SS-FSE sequence, coronal and oblique coronal 20 mm thick slices on a 256 x 256 matrix. Total acquisition time was 1 second. Source images were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to clinical information. In case of disagreement, a third radiologist's opinion was requested. In all cases, MRCP results were compared with direct biliary tract evaluation, other imaging studies and clinical and biological follow-up. RESULTS: In all cases, MRCP produced high quality images. Numerous branch of division were observed although the peripheral intrahepatic ducts were well seen in more than 90% in an area 2 cm below the capsule. The number of division was statistically higher when mechanical obstruction was present. Intrahepatic calculi or peripheral cholangiocarcinoma were well detect by MRCP. For the detection of cholangitis, MRCP sensitivity was 87.5% but the positive predictive value was only 57.7% because of a high number of false positive. The diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis must be made only on strict criteria and slightly dilated peripheral bile ducts unconnected to the central ducts in several hepatic segments were a characteristic MR sign of primary sclerosing cholangitis. CONCLUSION: MRCP can be proposed as a first intention imaging technique for the evaluation of intrahepatic ducts.     

Choledochal cysts: role of noninvasive imaging, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and percutaneous biliary drainage in diagnosis and treatment.

Choledochal cysts are an uncommon anomaly of the biliary system; findings include cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic biliary tree, intrahepatic biliary tree, or both. In the past 7 years, 13 patients with choledochal cysts have been seen at the authors' institution for evaluation and presurgical intervention. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) was performed in 13 patients. Sixteen percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD) procedures were performed in 11 patients, computed tomography was performed in six patients, and ultrasound was performed in two. PTC proved to be an important imaging modality because of its superior ability to define the cyst anatomy, site of biliary origin of the cyst, and extent and detail of both extrahepatic and intrahepatic disease, that is, intraductal strictures and calculi. PBD proved valuable in preoperative intervention, as an aid in surgical reconstruction, and in postoperative care. The role of these two modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with choledochal cysts, in addition to clinical aspects of the disease, is discussed.     

Percutaneous cholecystography in children

Percutaneous cholecystography was performed on 13 children who had biliary system abnormalities: two had biliary hypoplasia, five had sclerosing cholangitis, three had cirrhosis, two had distal choledochal obstruction, and one had an obstructed portoenterostomy. In 12 patients transcholecystic cholangiography showed, without significant complications, the intra-and extrahepatic bile ducts. In one patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis, the intrahepatic bile ducts were not opacified satisfactorily; dilatation of the gallbladder required surgical drainage. The transcholecystic technique is indicated when the intrahepatic bile ducts are either mildly dilated or not dilated.     

Comparison of MR cholangiopancreatographic techniques with contrast-enhanced cholangiography in the evaluation of sclerosing cholangitis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to compare MR cholangiopancreatography and contrast-enhanced cholangiography in patients with sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with sclerosing cholangitis were evaluated on MR cholangiopancreatography using the single-shot fast spin-echo technique at 1.5 T. A group of 19 healthy volunteers underwent MR cholangiopancreatography as controls. Thick-slab (2-cm sections) coronal oblique and thin-slab (5-mm sections) interleaved straight coronal MR images were obtained. All patients with sclerosing cholangitis had an MR cholangiopancreatogram within 12 months of a contrast-enhanced cholangiogram (mean, 3.8 months). Seventy-five percent of patients had an MR cholangiopancreatogram within 3 months of the contrast-enhanced cholangiogram. The MR cholangiopancreatograms and contrast-enhanced cholangiograms were reviewed independently in a random fashion by two radiologists who were unaware of clinical history for the degree of ductal visualization and for the presence and location of strictures of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. All discrepancies were resolved by a consensus, and the contrast-enhanced cholangiograms were regarded as the gold standard. Statistically significant data were calculated using the signed rank test (p < 0.01), and agreement analysis was calculated using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: All findings on MR cholangiopancreatograms in healthy subjects were interpreted as normal, and all findings on MR cholangiopancreatograms in patients with sclerosing cholangitis were interpreted as abnormal. When compared with the control group, scans of patients with sclerosing cholangitis usually showed good visualization (>50%) of the intrasegmental (86% vs 9%) and peripheral (67% vs 0%) intrahepatic ducts on thick-slab MR cholangiopancreatography. Thick-slab MR cholangiopancreatography showed good visualization in more ducts than contrast cholangiography (84% vs 70%; p = 0.10) and showed more strictured ducts than contrast cholangiography (47% vs 36%; p = 0.22). When comparing those ducts with good visualization on both MR cholangiopancreatography and contrast cholangiography, we found that disagreement occurred regarding 32% of ducts. Most of the discrepancies (60%) resulted when a stricture was noted on MR cholangiopancreatography but not on contrast-enhanced cholangiography. Good interobserver agreement (kappa > 0.4) was noted for detecting strictures of the extrahepatic, left hepatic, left medial, and right posterior ducts, with the greatest agreement for extrahepatic ductal strictures (kappa = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Thick-slab MR cholangiopancreatography is the best technique for depicting normal and strictured bile ducts and allows the differentiation of healthy patients from patients with sclerosing cholangitis. Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was considered the standard, MR cholangiopancreatography was superior for intrahepatic biliary ductal visualization. Therefore, this technique is of value in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with sclerosing cholangitis.     

Sonographic and computed tomographic evaluation of intrahepatic calculi

Intrahepatic calculi in non-Asian patients were studied by sonography and computed tomography (CT). Three patients were studied by CT cholangiography also. In two cases, the calculi were consecutive to Caroli disease, and in two others, the biliary stones were formed proximal to a stenosis of a previous surgical anastomosis. Five patients spontaneously developed intrahepatic calculi. All sonograms were abnormal. Image specificity was good, even when bile ducts were not dilated, if appropriate technique allowed identification of a double-arc-shadow pattern. Sonography strongly suggested the diagnosis in eight patients and was nonspecific in only one. On CT, calculi had various densities, and they were not visible in two patients. CT cholangiography was not particularly helpful. Finally, CT added little more information when performed after sonography. Both examinations strongly underestimate the number of stones, and direct cholangiography remains indicated if surgery is planned.     

硬化性胆管炎与胆总管癌的影像鉴别诊断

目的探讨CT和胆道造影对硬化性胆管炎和胆总管浸润癌的影像特征并评价其诊断区别。方法对18例经手术病理证实的胆总管癌与4例临床诊断的硬化性胆管炎的CT和PTC、ERCP、MRCP的影像学表现进行分析。结果4例硬化性胆管炎表现胆总管壁较薄,边界更加光整,管壁向心性增厚,狭窄近段胆管轻度扩张;CT增强扫描呈明显强化,胆道造影表现管腔渐进性、均匀的狭窄,与胆管癌比较表现多灶性狭窄并有沙漏样改变。结论CT和胆道造影能有效区分硬化性胆管炎和胆总管浸润癌病变,密切结合临床综合分析,对于两种疾病的鉴别诊断有重要的价值。     

Interventional radiology in non-neoplastic diseases of the biliary tract. A report on 93 personal cases

Most references in the literature on interventional radiology of the biliary tract refer to the treatment of cancer; only occasionally are benign conditions mentioned. An updated list of useful radiosurgical instruments on the market in Italy is presented. The operating technique from the preparation of the patient to the performance of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), biliary drainage, transhepatic bilioplasty, percutaneous extraction and chemical cholelitholisis of biliary calculi and drainage of biliary collections is then described. A personal series is then presented. It consists of 93 patients in whom one or more of the following conditions were diagnosed: exclusively intrahepatic calculosis (3 cases), calculosis of the common bile duct (23 percutaneous treatments), empyema of the gallbladder (6 cases), suppurating cholangitis (46 cases), sclerotic or inflammatory stenosis (16 cases), biliary collections (14 cases). Results are reported and commented on.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiography features of biliary abnormalities due to cavernous transformation of the portal vein

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective and monocentric study was to describe the magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) features of biliary abnormalities related to extrahepatic obstruction of the portal vein (EHOPV). METHODS: From September 2001 to May 2003, MRC was performed in 10 consecutive patients who had a portal thrombosis. RESULTS: Biliary ductal pathology was demonstrated via MRC in nine patients. It consisted of stenoses, ductal narrowing or irregularities involving the common bile duct for three patients with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis discovered a mean of 1.5 years ago, or involving both right and left intrahepatic bile ducts and common bile duct for six patients with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis discovered a mean of 16.2 years ago. Dilation of intrahepatic bile ducts was seen for seven patients, four of them having cholestasis. For three patients with symptomatic cholestasis, direct cholangiography (DC) was performed and showed the same findings as MRC which nevertheless overestimated the degree of bile duct stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: MRC seems to constitute an accurate tool to investigate noninvasively patients with portal biliopathy.     

Obstructive jaundice caused by a portal cavernoma

A 69-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital because of acute cholangitis with biliary obstruction. The cause of obstruction was either compression by a portal cavernoma or cavernous transformation. Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) and abdominal ultrasonography (US) revealed a portal cavernoma around the common bile duct. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) demonstrated characteristic short, smooth narrowing of the bile duct. Endoscopic US and intraductal US demonstrated collateral vessels around the bile duct and were helpful for ruling out a neoplastic lesion. Thus, a combination of imaging modalities was useful for diagnosing this hepatobiliary complication, portal biliopathy.     

MR and MRCP in the evaluation of primary sclerosing cholangitis: current applications and imaging findings

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive cholestatic disease of unknown etiology leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Several imaging modalities have been used to study this disease, including ultrasonography, computed tomography and hepatobiliary scintigraphy, but accurate diagnosis was found to be best made with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or direct cholangiography. However, these 2 methods are invasive and may produce serious complications. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a noninvasive imaging technique that has become very useful for diagnosing primary sclerosing cholangitis. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging provides pertinent information of extraductal abnormalities in addition to biliary ductal changes.     

肝内胆管结石的CT诊断

目的 :探讨肝内胆管结石的 CT表现及诊断价值。方法 :对 6 5例肝内胆管结石的 CT征象进行分析 ,并与超声对照。结果 :(1) CT诊断肝内胆管结石的准确率达 98.5 % ;(2 )因结石的密度不同可分为四类 ,即高密度、软组织密度 ,低密度和混杂密度结石 ;(3)肝内胆管扩张以局限性囊、柱状扩张为特征 ;(4 ) CT可准确显示和诊断其合并症。结论 :CT是肝内胆管结石有效的诊断手段 ,其诊断准确性特别是对并发症的诊断优于 B超     

MRCP findings in recurrent pyogenic cholangitis

OBJECTIVE: In this essay, we present the spectrum of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct abnormalities seen on MRCP in patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. CONCLUSION: MRCP is a promising, noninvasive alternative to more invasive direct cholangiography for evaluating the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts in patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis.     

Biliary obstruction: findings at MR cholangiography and cross-sectional MR imaging.

Twenty-two patients with malignant biliary obstruction and 21 patients with suspected obstruction of biliary-enteric anastomoses were evaluated over a 12-month period with magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography and cross-sectional MR imaging. In patients with malignant obstruction, MR cholangiography helped accurately determine the status of the biliary ductal system by identifying the exact location and extent of the obstruction and the severity of duct dilatation. In so doing, MR cholangiography helped determine whether percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with antegrade stent placement or retrograde cholangiography with stent placement constituted the more suitable treatment. Cross-sectional MR imaging was necessary to identify the organ of tumor origin, define the tumor margins, and determine the stage of disease. This information helped evaluate the appropriateness of curative surgical therapy versus palliative drainage procedures. In patients with biliary-enteric anastomoses, MR cholangiography clearly depicted the site of the anastomosis and demonstrated the status of the intrahepatic ducts, thereby helping determine which patients would benefit from undergoing antegrade duct cannulation with a drainage procedure or perhaps balloon dilation. In some of these patients, MR cholangiography was sufficient to help plan therapeutic intervention. MR cholangiography also demonstrates the presence and size of biliary stones and associated findings such as intraductal tumor growth. In addition, MR cholangiography may obviate retrograde cholangiography, which can be technically difficult to perform.