MR cholangiography and CT cholangiography of pediatric patients with choledochal cysts.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience using MR cholangiography and CT cholangiography in pediatric patients with choledochal cysts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (two boys, 12 girls; mean age, 7.8 years) with either a preoperative diagnosis of choledochal cyst or a surgical finding of choledochal cyst underwent non-breath-hold MR cholangiography using T2-weighted fat-suppressed fast spin-echo sequences with a 1.5-T magnet, and CT cholangiography with IV infusion of meglumine iodoxamic acid. Radiologic findings were correlated with findings from surgery, operative cholangiography, or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. RESULTS: The biliary tree was visualized in all 14 patients with MR cholangiography and in 13 patients (92.9%) with CT cholangiography. In the 11 preoperative cases of choledochal cyst, MR cholangiography correctly showed all cysts and CT cholangiography showed 10 cysts (90.9%). The quality of images on CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography was comparable. The sensitivity of CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography in revealing intrahepatic stones was 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively; the specificity for both techniques was 100%. The rate of detecting the pancreatic duct and the common channel by CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography was 63.6% and 45.5% respectively. After surgery, CT cholangiography was superior to MR cholangiography in revealing the location of biliary-enteric anastomosis and the extent of anastomotic narrowing. CONCLUSION: Because non-breath-hold MR cholangiography is not invasive and does not use ionizing radiation and potentially toxic contrast agents, it is recommended as the imaging technique of choice in children with choledochal cysts. CT cholangiography can be considered as an adjunct after surgery and in patients in whom MR cholangiography is unsatisfactory.     

Using MR cholangiopancreatography to reveal anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union in infants and children with choledochal cysts

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether MR cholangiopancreatography can accurately depict anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union in children with choledochal cysts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty children (age range, 1 month-13 years; mean age, 4.6 years; all girls) who were diagnosed with choledochal cyst by sonography underwent MR cholangiopancreatography with a single-shot fast spin-echo sequence. The type of choledochal cyst and anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union were characterized on the basis of MR cholangiopancreatographic findings and were compared with the finding of intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS: The type of choledochal cyst (type Ia, n = 4; type Ic, n = 7; type IVa, n = 7; type IVb, n = 2) determined on MR cholangiopancreatography correlated with that identified on intraoperative cholangiography in each patient. Anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union was detected by MR cholangiopancreatography and intraoperative cholangiography in 12 (60%) and 16 (80%) of 20 patients, respectively. The types of anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union as determined on MR cholangiopancreatography (type A, n = 2; type B, n = 7; type C, n = 3) were concordant with those of intraoperative cholangiography in 11 of 12 patients. In five of eight patients with choledochal cyst (type Ia, n = 1; type IVa, n = 5; type IVb, n = 2) in whom MR cholangiopancreatography could not depict anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union, anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union was documented on intraoperative cholangiography that was performed after choledochal cyst resection. CONCLUSION: MR cholangiopancreatography provides diagnostic information about anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union in children with choledochal cyst.     

Choledochal cyst: comparison of MR and conventional cholangiography

AIMS: To assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography versus conventional cholangiography in patients with choledochal cyst and to determine whether MR cholangiography can be considered an alternative to conventional cholangiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with choledochal cyst were examined by MR cholangiography and conventional cholangiograms. Magnetic resonance cholangiography employed T2-weighted axial and coronal fast spin-echo, single and multislab single-shot fast spin-echo sequences, including source images with maximum intensity projections. The diagnostic value of MR cholangiography and conventional cholangiograms was assessed and compared using the criteria of depiction of morphology, anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct union and demonstration of complications such as stones. A four-point diagnostic scale was applied to the delineation of the ductal anatomy with the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and McNemar's test used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The depiction of the choledochal cyst was significantly better with MR cholangiography than with conventional cholangiography (P = 0.03). The detection rate of an anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct union was not significantly different with either method (P = 0.641), nor was the detection rate of bile duct stones (P = 0.375). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance cholangiography provides data equivalent to or superior to those from conventional cholangiography in evaluating choledochal cyst. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is recommended as a non-invasive examination of choice for the evaluation of choledochal cyst.     

磁共振胰胆管成像诊断胰胆管合流异常的价值

目的 探讨磁共振胰胆管成像（MRCP）诊断胰胆管合流异常（APBDU）的价值。资料与方法 分析11例患者的MRCP、轴面T2WI及T1WI。测量共通管长度和胆总管宽度,观察APBDU的形式,以及胆管内有无结石和肿瘤等相关疾病。将观察结果与B超及内镜逆行性胰胆管造影（ERCP）检查和／或外科手术所见对照。结果 10例胆总管囊肿型APBDU包括胆管囊状扩张7例,梭形扩张3例;1例非囊肿型APBDU表现为胆总管轻度扩张。胆总管最大直径范围是12～90mm,平均34mm。APBDU的合流形式包括A型7例,B型4例,在MRCP图像测量的共通管长度范围是18～30mm,平均23mm。轴面T2WI显示胆总管或胰管突然蝌蚪或逗点样增粗5例。APBDU相关疾病包括胆囊／胆管结石6例,胆管肿瘤1例,胰腺炎5例。对7例切除的病变胆管和胆囊标本进行病理组织学检查,均有慢性炎症改变。结论 MRCP检查有助于发现和诊断APBDU,轴面T2WI和B超检查阴性结果不能完全排除本病。     

Role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in diagnosing choledochal cysts: Case series and review

AIM:To determine the merits of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) as the primary diagnostic test for choledochal cysts(CC’s).METHODS:Between 2009 and 2012,patients who underwent MRCP for perioperative diagnosis were identified.Demographic information,clinical characteristics,and radiographic findings were recorded.MRCP results were compared with intraoperative findings.A PubMed search identified studies published between 1996-2012,employing MRCP as the primary preoperative imaging and comparing results with either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) or operative findings.Detection rates for CC’s and abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction(APBJ) were calculated.In addition detection rates for clinically related biliary pathology like choledocholithiasis and cholangiocarcinomas in patients diagnosed with CC’s were also evaluated.RESULTS:Eight patients were identified with CC’s.Six patients out of them had typeⅣCC’s,1 had type I and 1 had a new variant of choledochal cyst with confluent dilatation of the common bile duct(CBD) and cystic duct.Seven patients had an APBJ and 3 of those had a long common-channel.Gallstones were found in 2 patients,1 had a CBD stone,and 1 pancreatic-duct stone was also detected.In all cases,MRCP successfully identified the type of CC’s,as well as APBJ with ductal stones.From analyzing the literature,we found that MRCP has 96%-100% detection rate for CC’s.Additionally,we found that the range for sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic accuracy was 53%-100%,90%-100% and 56%-100% in diagnosing APBJ.MRCP’s detection rate was 100% for choledocholithiasis and 87% for cholangiocarcinomas with concurrent CC’s.CONCLUSION:After initial ultrasound and computed tomography scan,MRCP should be the next diagnostic test in both adult and pediatric patients.ERCP should be reserved for patients where therapeutic intervention is needed.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography of biliary system abnormalities in children

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with a single-shot fast spin-echo sequence as a noninvasive method to evaluate the biliary system in children. METHODS: Twenty-five MRCP examinations of 23 patients were evaluated. On the basis of surgical (n=5), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (n=4), liver biopsy (n=4), clinical data, and follow-up observation, 6 children were considered to have no significant abnormality. The other 17 children were found to have pancreaticobiliary disease, including choledochal cyst, biliary system dilatation, choledocholithiasis, biliary atresia, multiseptated gallbladder, anomalous pancreaticobiliary union, ruptured hydatic cyst, and biloma. The findings were correlated with the ultrasonography, computed tomography, surgical, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography results. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed the first branch of the intrahepatic duct, the common hepatic duct, the gallbladder, and the common bile duct in 14 children. Cystic duct was not seen in infants, but was partially visible in younger children. Although the main pancreatic duct was visible in head and body portions in 65% of the patients, it was visible in 17% of the patients in the tail. The diagnostic accuracy of MRCP was 100% in patients with choledochal cysts and stenoses. In a patient with hydatic cyst, cystobiliary communication was successfully demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography can be used effectively for the evaluation of the biliary system in children.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography diagnosis of choledochal cyst involving the cystic duct: report of three cases

Here we describe three cases of choledochal cyst involving the cystic duct or isolated dilatation of the cystic duct. All cases were visualised on MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging. We report findings of ultrasonography, CT and MRCP. These cases are extremely rare; nine cases have been reported in the English-language literature. This anomaly was not included in Todani's classifications of choledochal cysts, a system that is accepted worldwide. We think that this variant anomaly will be included in this classification system in the near future.     

磁共振胰胆管造影对梗阻性黄疸诊断价值

目的:探讨研究MRCP对梗阻性黄疸的诊断价值。方法:对43例经手术病理证实的结石、良性狭窄、壶腹癌、胰头癌、胆管癌的梗阻性黄疸患者进行MRCP检查。结果:结石11例,良性狭窄2例,先天性胆总管囊肿1例,壶腹癌5例,胰头癌7例,胆管癌15例,胆囊癌2例。MRCP能清晰地显示正常胰胆管树的结构,能直观显示胰胆管扩张和梗阻的部位、形态、范围,其检出率和定位率为100%,定性诊断率为98%。结论:MRCP对梗阻性黄疸定位、定性诊断准确,特别对结石的诊断,结合原始图像有特异性,能清楚显示梗阻部位、梗阻原因、病变形态、病变与周围关系及病变性质。     

MRCP对梗阻性黄疸诊断价值的探讨

目的探讨磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)对梗阻性黄疸疾病的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析经手术或ERCP病理证实的梗阻性黄疸患者资料119例。该119例梗阻性黄疸患者用西门子1.5T超导型磁共振成像仪行常规MRI及MRCP检查。常规MRI包括轴位T1WI、T2WI及T2trufi冠状位扫描;MRCP检查包括3DMRCP和二维厚块MRCP检查。结果良性病变98例,其中胆系结石80例,胆管炎性狭窄12例,胆总管蛔虫4例,胆总管囊肿2例。恶性病变21例,其中胆管癌11例,壶腹癌3例,胰头癌7例。MRCP能清晰地显示正常胰胆管树结构,能直观地显示胰胆管扩张和梗阻的部位、形态、范围,对梗阻性胆道疾病的定位诊断准确率为100%,定性诊断准确率为94%。结论MRCP对梗阻性黄疸定位、定性诊断准确,特别是对结石的诊断,能清楚地显示梗阻部位、原因、病变形态、病变与周围结构的关系及周围病变性质,为临床手术方案提供可靠依据。     

Using MR cholangiopancreatography to evaluate iatrogenic bile duct injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the evaluation of iatrogenic bile duct injuries. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, MRCP was performed in 10 postoperative patients (nine female and one male, ranging in age from 17 to 79 years) suspected of having bile duct injury as a result of surgery. Presence or absence of biliary dilatation, excision injury, stricture, fluid collection, and free fluid was noted. Excision injury was diagnosed if a segment of bile duct was not visible on any of the MRCP sequences. Positive cases were classified according to anatomic location and extent of injury. Results were compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in five patients, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in one, surgery in four, and clinical follow-up in three. RESULTS: Three patients had normal findings on MRCP and remained asymptomatic on clinical follow-up. Four patients had bile duct excision injury on MRCP that was surgically proven, and one had stricture, confirmed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Of these five patients, one had Bismuth type I injury, two had type II, one had type III, and one had type IV. Two patients had findings suggestive of cystic duct leak on MRCP that were confirmed on cholangiography. CONCLUSION: MRCP can accurately diagnose postoperative biliary strictures and excision injuries and can characterize and anatomically classify these injuries for planning reparative surgery. It can also suggest the presence of cystic duct leaks in patients who have undergone cholecystectomy.     

Choledochal cyst imaging by telepaque-enhanced computed tomography

A choledochal cyst is an uncommon anomaly of the biliary system requiring surgical intervention. A case of a choledochal cyst imaged by computed tomography following oral administration of cholangiography contrast material (Telepaque) is reported. Telepaque-enhanced computed tomography is an easy, noninvasive method to demonstrate pertinent preoperative anatomy in cases of choledochal cysts, and is especially useful in the pediatric patient.     

Choledochal cyst and anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union in adults: radiological spectrum and complications

Choledochal cyst and anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU) are considered to be embryologically related to each other, and their complications are clinically important. This article illustrates the key imaging features of choledochal cysts and APBDU and their various associated abnormalities and complications. Complications of common bile duct are more common in APBDU with choledochal cyst, and complications of gallbladder are more common in APBDU without choledochal cyst.     

Choledochal cyst and congenital anomalies of the pancreatico-biliary junction: the clinical findings, radiology and outcome in nine cases.

Nine patients with choledochal cyst have been reviewed. There was a 6:3 preponderance of females. Four patients presented in adulthood. Cholangiocarcinoma developed in three patients with an interval ranging from 2 to 35 years following surgery. The predominant complaint was of abdominal pain and symptoms had been present from weeks up to 28 years. Imaging by sonography may be all that is required in the paediatric age group, but in adults further confirmation of the choledochal cyst and the associated anomalous junction of the pancreatico-biliary duct (AJPB) by direct cholangiography is recommended.     

MRI对先天性胆管囊肿及其并发症的诊断价值

目的:探讨MRI对先天性胆管囊肿及其并发症的诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析45例先天性胆管囊肿患者的MRI及MRCP表现,并与手术结果进行对照分析。结果:本组45例先天性胆总管囊肿根据MRI和MRCP图像,分型结果为Ⅰ型19例、Ⅱ型3例、Ⅲ型0例、Ⅳ型14例Ⅴ型9例,分型结果与手术对比符合率为100%;先天性胆总管囊肿并发症中,MRI正确诊断结石12例(12/16),胆囊炎11例(11/12),胆管炎3例(3/4),胰腺炎1例(1/2),诊断结果与手术对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:联合应用MRI与MRCP有助于先天性胆总管囊肿及其并发症的的诊断及术前评估。     

Magnetic resonance in obstructive jaundice

Twelve cases of obstructive jaundice in whom ultrasound failed to demonstrate the site and/or the cause of obstruction of the biliary tract were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), correctly diagnosing the site and cause of obstruction in 10 of 12 surgically proven cases. In one case of cholangiocarcinoma, the site of obstruction was well shown on MR but a definite cause could not be ascertained. In another patient who developed intermittent jaundice following surgery for choledochal cyst, MR demonstrated a solitary stone in the common hepatic duct. Surgical confirmation could not be achieved as the patient was lost to follow up. There were 6 cases of choledocholithiasis, 3 cases of gall bladder carcinoma and one case each of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. It is believed that MRI will provide obstructive jaundice and will be able to minimize the use of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in view of its ability to perform multiplanar imaging in multiple sequences.     

2D-FASE MRCP for pediatrics with congenital biliary dilatation: usefulness of non-breath-hold one-shot MRCP

The usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using the non-breath-hold one-shot technique was evaluated. Ten children suffering from congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) were included. Four of them were preoperative cases, and the remaining six postoperative. All MR images taken were compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or intraoperative cholangiography. MR images using the non-breath-hold one-shot technique clearly showed the confluence of the common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct in seven of the cases. The confluence of the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct was obscure in the other three cases, mainly due to motion artifact. These results show that this non-breath-hold one-shot technique is useful for diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of congenital biliary dilatation in children.     

磁共振胰胆管成像在诊断胰胆管疾病中的价值

目的：评价磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)诊断阻塞性和扩张性胰胆管疾病的临床价值。方法：采用西门子symPhonyl．5T超导磁共振成像仪，对72例胰胆管系统疾病患和20例正常对照组进行MRI和MRCP成像，其中病变组22例进行Gd-DTPA动态增强。分析图像，将诊断结果与手术病理和超声、CT等其它影像检查结果对照。结果：MRCP能清晰显示正常胰胆管树的结构，能直观显示胰胆管扩张和梗阻的部位、形态、范围。检出率和定位率为94、3％，定性率为85．7％。MRI图像能帮助定性诊断。结论：MRCP是一种安全、有效的胰胆管系统影像检查方法，与MRI结合，对诊断和鉴别诊断胰胆管阻塞性和扩张性疾病有较高的临床诊断价值，     

Intrabiliary rupture of hepatic hydatid cysts: diagnostic accuracy of MR cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the role of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the diagnosis of biliary rupture in hepatic hydatid disease. We sought to determine whether the morphologic features of cysts and bile duct abnormalities detected on MRCP are specific enough for identification of intrabiliary rupture. CONCLUSION: If one of the following MRCP findings of apparent connection between hydatid cyst and biliary system, deformation of cyst, focal defect in cyst wall, or beaklike projection extending from cyst wall was present in a patient with hepatic hydatid cyst, the sensitivity of MRCP was 91.7% and the specificity was 82.8% for identification of intrabiliary rupture.     

MR imaging for diagnosing cysto-biliary fistulas in cystic echinococcosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MR imaging) including MR cholangiography for the identification of cysto-biliary fistulas in patients with hepatic hydatid disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 3 groups of patients (20 patients with 51 echinococcal cysts) in a cohort of 103 patients with cystic echinococcosis with different pretest probabilities for cysto-biliary fistulas. Patients who had MR imaging/MR cholangiography with symptoms and signs of biliary obstruction (5 patients with 16 cysts, group I), before surgery for other reasons than biliary obstruction (9 patients with 14 cysts, group II) and for cyst staging (6 patients with 21 cysts, group III). All MR images were evaluated before surgery for the presence of cyst wall defects and hydatid debris in bile ducts. In groups I and II MR results were compared with surgical, parasitological, and biochemical findings of each individual cyst. RESULTS: Based on direct (i.e. defects in the cyst wall and continuity of dilated biliary ducts into adjacent cysts), and indirect MR imaging/MR cholangiography imaging signs (i.e. intraluminal debris) our best estimate of sensitivity and specificity (stage-specific, WHO type CE3 and CE4) for cysto-biliary fistulas was 75% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging with MR cholangiography is a valuable non-invasive imaging technique to assess the risk of cysto-biliary fistula-related complications and for planning of surgery.     

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiography

In patients with biliary obstruction, determining the level and the cause of the obstruction is essential because it can be a key factor for the next step in diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. Noninvasive cholangiography, such as computed tomography (CT) cholangiography or magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography, allows the diagnosis of cause and level of biliary disease with minimal risk. Traditional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an established and effective noninvasive diagnostic modality particularly for extrahepatic biliary tract evaluation. Intrahepatic biliary duct evaluation and functional MR, including evaluating for leaks and gallbladder dyskinesia and outlet obstruction, are evolving diagnostic techniques that show promising results. CT cholangiography techniques are especially useful when MRI is not available or contraindicated or when the quality of MRCP images is suboptimal. CT cholangiography is particularly useful as an adjunct to surgery or postsurgical cases. The primary limitation of cholangiographic contrast-enhanced CT cholangiography (the most prevalent type of CT cholangiography) is its hindrance by poor liver function and/or high-grade biliary obstruction. In this setting MRCP is clearly superior. There are different types of CT cholangiography and MRCP. This article discusses the types of CT cholangiography and MRCP techniques and their clinical applications.