Mucin-hypersecreting intrahepatic biliary neoplasms

The radiologic findings are described in six patients with "mucin-hypersecreting" intrahepatic biliary neoplasms (biliary cystadenocarcinoma or papillary cholangiocarcinoma). Massive amounts of mucin were confirmed in the dilated bile ducts at surgery or autopsy. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) demonstrated severe dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts distal to the tumor in all patients and of extrahepatic ducts in five. On cholangiograms, large, amorphous filling defects caused by retention of mucin were found in the dilated ducts in three patients. The tumor was multilocular and cystic in five patients; in the other patient it was too small to be detected at CT or US. The presence of liver tumor (mostly multilocular and cystic), marked biliary dilatation distal to the tumor, and filling defects in the dilated bile ducts are important findings that indicate a mucin-hypersecreting intrahepatic biliary neoplasm.     

Computed tomographic diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in the absence of intrahepatic ductal dilatation.

Six patients with obstructive jaundice had computed tomography (CT) scans showing a dilated extrahepatic biliary tree in the absence of intrahepatic ductal dilatation. Dilated extrahepatic bile ducts were most easily identified by means of intravenous injection of urographic contrast material, which permitted them to be seen as low density structures. Findings in these patients emphasize that (1) demonstration of dilated intrahepatic bile ducts is not a prerequisite for the CT diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and (2) careful CT evaluation of the extrahepatic biliary tree is necessary to identify patients with isolated dilatation of the common hepatic or common bile duct.     

肝外胆管梗阻病变CT诊断的评价

目的：通过分析良恶性肝外胆管梗阻病变的ＣＴ表现，总结出有鉴别诊断意义的征象。材料与方法：复查分析经手术和病理证实、术前均做了ＣＴ检查的肝外胆管梗阻病变１１７例，良性３８例，恶性７９例。结果：肝外胆管远段梗阻，梗阻部胆管呈漏斗样改变，肝外胆管壁呈环形弥漫型增厚，肝内胆管呈竹节状或小囊状轻、中度扩张，梗阻部肿块内钙化，边界清楚对良性病变诊断有重要意义；肝外胆管中、近段梗阻或肝外胆管未显影者，梗阻部胆管呈截断型或突然狭窄型并伴肿块，肝外胆管壁呈环形局限型增厚，肝内胆管呈藤状或蟹足状中度或重度扩张，梗阻部肿块边界不清，其内可见坏死等征象，高度提示恶性病变。结论：良恶性肝外胆管梗阻病变均有其特征性的ＣＴ征象，注意观察胆管的形态改变，以及与周围组织结构关系，并紧密结合临床综合分析，有助于提高诊断准确性。     

CT findings of clonorchiasis

Clonorchiasis is a snail-transmitted trematodiasis caused by Chinese liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis. Forty-two patients with the disease were examined with CT. Seventeen patients had clonorchiasis alone, and 25 patients had clonorchiasis with hepatobiliary malignancies (20 cholangiocarcinomas, four hepatocellular carcinomas, one carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater). In three of the 17 patients with clonorchiasis alone, the CT scans were normal. In 14 patients (82%), CT showed diffuse, minimal, or mild dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. None of the patients had marked dilatation. The extrahepatic biliary tree was normal in all 17 patients. All 25 patients with clonorchiasis and hepatobiliary malignancies had diffuse dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts on CT, including 18 patients with minimal or mild dilatation and seven patients with marked dilatation. All seven patients with marked dilatation had extrahepatic biliary malignancies. Clonorchis sinensis per se or thickening of the bile duct wall could not be recognized on CT scans. Additional abnormalities evident on CT included pyogenic liver abscesses in two patients and gallstones in five patients. The diagnosis of clonorchiasis can be suspected when CT shows diffuse, uniform, and minimal or mild dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts, particularly in the periphery of the liver, without evidence of extrahepatic biliary dilatation.     

胆道阻塞的CT诊断—与直接胆管造影的比较研究

本文对８２例手术病理证实的阻塞性黄疸作前瞻性ＣＴ诊断，并与直接胆道造影比较研究。发现胆管逐渐尖削，明显的肝外胆管壁环状增厚是良性阻塞可靠且特异的ＣＴ征象。肝内外胆管不一致扩张（内轻外重），扩张胆管腔内ＣＴ值大于２０ＨＵ对良性阻塞的判断有一定帮助。管突断伴或不伴肿块，胆管壁局根不规则增厚是恶性阻塞相对可靠且特异的ＣＴ征象。ＣＴ能清楚显示肝内胆管扩张及它们汇合处解部剖及变异。比较直接胆管造影，ＣＴ对肝     

Unilocular Extrahepatic Biliary Cystadenoma Mimicking Choledochal Cyst: A Case Report

We report here on a case of extrahepatic biliary cystadenoma arising from the common hepatic duct. A 42-year-old woman was evaluated by us to find the cause of her jaundice. Ultrasonography and CT showed a cystic dilatation of the common hepatic duct and also marked dilatation of the intrahepatic duct. Direct cholangiography demonstrated a large filling defect between the left hepatic duct and the common hepatic duct; dilatation of the intrahepatic duct was also demonstrated. Following excision of the cystic mass, it was pathologically confirmed as a unilocular biliary mucinous cystadenoma arising from the common hepatic duct.     

恶性梗阻性黄疸的ERCP与CT对照分析

本文对比分析了８２例恶性梗阻性黄疸（包括胆管癌４５例，转移性癌２６例，胰头癌６例及壶腹周围癌５例）的ＥＲＣＰ与ＣＴ表现，主要发现：恶性胆管梗阻部位多位于肝外胆管近侧段；肝外胆管近侧段梗阻所致的肝内胆管重度扩张的发生率，远多于远侧段阻塞，在反映肝内胆管扩张程度、扩张范围方面ＣＴ优于ＥＲＣＰ，而显示病灶肿块直接征象方面ＥＲＣＰ优于ＣＴ。     

The effect of time and cholecystectomy on experimental biliary tree dilatation. A multi-imaging evaluation

The changes of the biliary tree following distal bile duct obstruction and its release were confirmed by biliary scintigraphy and monitored by serial ultrasonography, computed tomography, and values of serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase in 14 mongrel dogs. The degree and rate of biliary dilatation were independent of cholecystectomy. The most rapid rate of extrahepatic dilatation occurred within the first 48 hours, while dilated intrahepatic ducts were first recognized three to six days after obstruction. Following release of the obstruction, the degree and rate of resolution of the biliary dilatation were independent of the duration of ligation (one vs. two weeks) and cholecystectomy. The dilatation resolved slowly. Dilated intrahepatic ducts were recognized for as long as eight to 13 days, while extrahepatic biliary dilatation was still present for 13 weeks, at which time the experiment was terminated. It is postulated that the extrahepatic biliary dilatation will approach a plateau approximately one month after total biliary obstruction. It appears that if the obstruction lasts more than one week, it results in irreversible damage to the elasticity of the extrahepatic ducts. Thus, after release of the obstruction, serial biliary imaging is indicated until a new baseline of the biliary tree diameter has been established.     

Caroli disease: central dot sign in CT

Two adults with communicating cavernous ectasia of the biliary tract (Caroli disease) are described. Both patients had the pure form of the disease, characterized by saccular dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts, multiple intrahepatic calculi, absence of portal hypertension, and associated cystic renal disease. Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the liver showed tiny dots with strong contrast enhancement within dilated intrahepatic bile ducts (the central dot sign). These intraluminal dots on CT scans corresponded to intraluminal portal veins on sonograms, findings indicating portal radicles surrounded by dilated intrahepatic bile ducts.     

继发于肝细胞癌的胆管梗阻影像表现

本文分析１７例继发于肝细胞癌的胆管梗阻ＥＲＣＰ表现，并与ＵＳ和ＣＴ对照。ＥＲＣＰ特点：（１）胆管不规则受压伸展移位和偏心性狭窄；（２）胆管腔内膨胀性充盈缺损；（３）胆管呈跳跃式狭窄。而ＣＴ和ＵＳ表现缺乏特征性。     

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: value of cholangiography in determining the prognosis

We studied cholangiograms in 129 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) to determine if there was a correlation between any of the findings and the prognosis of the disease. The grade, length, and extent of strictures, the degree of bile duct dilatation, and the distribution of lesions were evaluated. Survival curves were generated to test the association of these radiologic signs with subsequent survival. High-grade intrahepatic duct strictures (greater than 75% narrowing) were associated with a 19% decrease in 3-year survival (p = .05) compared with lower-grade strictures. Diffuse intrahepatic strictures (involving greater than 25% of the ducts) were associated with a 16% decrease in 3-year survival (p = .012) compared with localized strictures. Statistically insignificant (p greater than .05) but measurable decreases in survival were observed with high-grade extrahepatic duct strictures, diffuse involvement of the extrahepatic ducts, long confluent strictures anywhere in the biliary tree, and marked dilatation of the intrahepatic ducts. In general, intrahepatic duct disease was found to have greater prognostic significance than extrahepatic duct disease. High-grade strictures and diffuse strictures of the intrahepatic ducts were found to be indicators of a poor prognosis in PSC and were more predictive of a poor prognosis than was extrahepatic duct disease.     

Sonographic diagnosis of Klatskin tumors

The sonograms of 14 patients with pathologically proven Klatskin tumors presenting between 1974 and 1985 were reviewed. All 14 patients demonstrated dilated intrahepatic bile ducts with a normal-sized extrahepatic biliary tree. In seven patients this was the only finding. The other seven patients demonstrated one or more additional abnormalities. These included an apparent intraductal mass at the confluence of the right and left intrahepatic ducts (four patients), enlarged portal lymph nodes (two patients), and hepatic metastases (one patient). With one exception, these additional findings were seen only in patients scanned after 1980, that is, using real-time sonography and up-to-date scanners. The presence of dilated intrahepatic ducts in a patient with a normal extrahepatic biliary tree should raise the possibility of Klatskin tumor. With high-resolution real-time sonography, further evidence suggestive of malignancy can be demonstrated in at least 50% of patients.     

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.     

Cryptosporidiosis of the biliary tract in AIDS

Cryptosporidiosis of the biliary system was studied retrospectively in 13 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The diagnosis was made by means of histologic examination (n = 9) or imaging studies and the presence of intestinal cryptosporidiosis (n = 4). Imaging studies were done in 10 patients. Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) showed dilatation of the biliary ducts, some with wall thickening, thickening of the gallbladder wall and pericholecystic fluid. Cholangiograms showed attenuation and pruning of the intrahepatic bile ducts, some with beading and dilatation of the common bile duct. Three patients had papillary stenosis. Numerous Cryptosporidium organisms were found in three resected gallbladders and in the biliary ducts of seven patients in whom autopsy was performed, accompanied by an exuberant inflammatory response. Correlation of the radiologic and pathologic findings establishes a direct etiologic role of Cryptosporidium as one of the major infectious agents in cholangitis associated with AIDS.     

肝脏囊性恶性肿瘤的CT诊断

目的：探讨肝脏囊性恶性肿瘤的ＣＴ诊断价值。材料与方法：经手术病理和临床证这的肝脏囊性恶性肿瘤２９例，术前均行ＣＴ检查，其中转移瘤１５例，肝细胞性裂直肉瘤２例，囊腺癌４例（包括囊腺癌肉瘤１例），胆管癌３例和Ｃａｒｏｌｉ病癌变１例，结果：囊性转移瘤远较其他肝囊性恶性肿瘤常见，表现多样化，以多发囊性或囊性实质性病灶共存为其特点，小病料可完全囊变；囊性肝癌表现为单发不均或均匀厚壁型肝志；囊怀肝肉瘤为单房或     

Solid and papillary epithelial neoplasms of the pancreas: CT findings

Five female patients and one male patient with solid and papillary epithelial neoplasms of the pancreas were examined with computed tomography (CT). The mean age of the patients was 27 years (range, 13-46 years). All cases showed well-encapsulated, round or lobulated masses consisting of both cystic and solid areas. Cystic portions showed CT numbers that suggested hemorrhagic necrosis. There were no internal septations within the masses. In three tumors located in the head of the pancreas, dilatation of the biliary tree was absent or minimal, although the masses were large. Two tumors contained calcifications. One tumor demonstrated metastatic deposits in liver and lymph nodes. Metastatic masses appeared similar to the primary pancreatic mass. Solid and papillary neoplasm of the pancreas should be the primary diagnostic consideration when characteristic CT findings are detected in a young female patient.     

Patterns of intrahepatic bile duct dilatation at CT: correlation with obstructive disease processes.

The authors performed a blinded, retrospective analysis of 100 computed tomographic (CT) scans of patients with proved extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), to determine whether certain patterns of intrahepatic bile duct dilatation are suggestive of specific disease processes. Among 30 patients with benign obstructive disease, CT showed pruning of the intrahepatic ducts in four patients (13%), beading in four (13%), and skip dilatations in one (3%). Among 54 patients with malignant obstructive disease, CT illustrated pruning in eight (15%) patients, beading in 11 (20%), and skip dilatations in two (4%). Among 16 patients with PSC, CT demonstrated pruning in four (25%), beading in two (13%), and skip dilatations in five (31%). The majority of patients with malignant or benign obstructive disease or PSC had intrahepatic duct dilatation in both lobes of the liver. It extended into the periphery in 46 of 54 patients (85%) with malignant obstructive disease, in 20 of 30 (67%) with benign obstructive disease, and in 10 of 16 (63%) with PSC. The CT finding of skip dilatations is strongly suggestive of PSC. The CT findings of pruning and beading are nonspecific and may be observed at CT in patients with bile duct obstruction due to a wide variety of causes. The distribution and extent of intrahepatic duct dilatation at CT do not differ among biliary disease processes.     

MR cholangiography in children and young adults with biliary disease

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the MR cholangiography findings for young patients with suspected biliary disease who underwent half-Fourier acquisition fast spin-echo technique with respiratory triggering. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight MR cholangiography studies were performed in 22 patients on a 1.5-T MR unit. Ten of these 22 patients had undergone liver transplantation. RESULTS: MR cholangiography revealed abnormalities of both the extrahepatic and the intrahepatic major and minor bile duct systems, despite the small diameter of the duct system in this group of patients. Four patterns of biliary disease were shown: global dilatation of extrahepatic or intrahepatic ducts (n = 7); segmental, uniform dilatation of central or peripheral intrahepatic ducts (n = 9); segmental, nonuniform dilatation of central or peripheral intrahepatic ducts (n = 2); and fusiform ectasia with segmental, irregular intrahepatic dilatation and bile lakes (n = 2). The findings of eight studies were interpreted as normal. The four patterns of abnormalities were correlated with the results from percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, T-tube cholangiography, and liver biopsy and with clinical and surgical information, as available. CONCLUSION: MR cholangiography is a noninvasive technique for evaluation of biliary disease. The improved resolution afforded by respiratory triggering permits evaluation of both major and minor bile ducts, even in young, uncooperative subjects. Four patterns of abnormalities were prospectively identified, correlated with other information, and used to direct clinical treatment.     

CT and MR cholangiography: advantages and pitfalls in perioperative evaluation of biliary tree

Recent developments in imaging technology have enabled CT and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to provide minimally invasive alternatives to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the pre- and post-operative assessment of biliary disease. This article describes anatomical variants of the biliary tree with surgical significance, followed by comparison of CT and MR cholangiographies. Drip infusion cholangiography with CT (DIC-CT) enables high-resolution three-dimensional anatomical representation of very small bile ducts (e.g. aberrant branches, the caudate branch and the cystic duct), which are potential causes of surgical complications. The disadvantages of DIC-CT include the possibility of adverse reactions to biliary contrast media and insufficient depiction of bile ducts caused by liver dysfunction or obstructive jaundice. Conventional MRCP is a standard, non-invasive method for evaluating the biliary tree. MRCP provides useful information, especially regarding the extrahepatic bile ducts and dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced MRCP may facilitate the evaluation of biliary structure and excretory function. Understanding the characteristics of each type of cholangiography is important to ensure sufficient perioperative evaluation of the biliary system.     

Malignant papillary neoplasms of the intrahepatic bile ducts: CT and histopathologic features

OBJECTIVE. We describe the CT and pathologic features of malignant papillary neoplasms of the intrahepatic bile ducts in 15 patients. CONCLUSION. CT is a useful technique for revealing intraductal lesions, although the findings are nonspecific and variable. When intraductal masses or nodules are seen with localized dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts on CT scans, malignant papillary neoplasms of the intrahepatic bile ducts should be included in the differential diagnosis.