Value of magnetic resonance cholangiography in benign and malignant biliary stenosis: comparative study with direct cholangiography

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) is currently under investigation for imaging of biliary stenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of MRC compared with direct cholangiography in biliary duct diseases, with the exception of biliary-enteric anastomosis. METHOD: Forty-nine patients (26 men, 23 women; median age 60 years) with clinically suspected bile duct stenosis were prospectively included. Magnetic resonance cholangiography was performed within 7 days before direct cholangiography, considered to be the gold standard. Stenosis location, extension, and type according to Bismuth classification as well as diagnostic presumed causes were determined by 2 radiologists and 1 endoscopist. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance cholangiography correctly identified the level of biliary ductal obstruction compared with direct cholangiography findings in 96% patients. Excellent agreement between MRC and direct cholangiography was found for the stenosis location (kappa value, 0.89). Sensitivity and specificity of MRC to detect common bile duct stenosis were 88% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of MRC to detect biliary confluence stenosis were 96% and 93%, respectively. Precise location of the lesion according to Bismuth classification was correctly evaluated on MRC in 74% of patients (kappa value, 0.64). The overall interobserver concordance between radiologists for the level of stenosis was good (kappa value, 0.625). In 35 patients with intrahepatic bile ducts dilation identified on direct cholangiography, 97% of patients were identified on MRC. Moderate concordance between MRC and direct cholangiography was confirmed in the evaluation of the surgical management (kappa value, 0.55). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance cholangiography is able to replace diagnostic direct cholangiography to restrict the use of invasive procedures to cases in which therapeutic procedures are anticipated or MRC findings are equivocal, especially in biliary tract diseases.     

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.     

Staging of Klatskin tumours (hilar cholangiocarcinomas): comparison of MR cholangiography, MR imaging, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

The aim of the study was to compare prospectively magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in the diagnosis and staging of Klatskin tumours of the biliary tree (hilar cholangiocarcinomas). Forty-six patients with suspected Klatskin tumours of the biliary tract underwent MRI and heavily T2-weighted, non-breathhold, respiratory-triggered fast spin-echo MRC. Forty-two patients underwent ERC within 24 h; in four patients, ERC was not feasible, and percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiography (PTC) was carried out instead. Two independent investigators evaluated imaging results for the presence of tumour, bile duct dilatation, and stenosis. Clinical and histopathological correlation revealed Klatskin tumours in 33 patients. MRI revealed a slightly hyperintense signal of infiltrated bile ducts in T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences. The malignant lesion was regularly visualized as a hypointense area in T1-weighted gradient-echo sequences with substantial contrast enhancement along the involved bile duct walls. MRC revealed the location and extension of the tumour in 31 of 33 cases correctly (sensitivity 94%, specificity 100%, diagnostic accuracy 95%). In 27 of 31 cases, ERC enabled accurate staging and diagnosis of Klatskin tumours with a sensitivity of 87%. ERC and PTC combined yielded a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 97%. Tumours were grouped according to the Bismuth classification, with MRC allowing correct identification of type I tumour in seven patients, type II tumour in four patients, type III tumour in 12 patients, and type IV tumour in ten patients. MRC provided superior visualization of completely obstructed peripheral systems. MRC in combination with MRI is a reliable non-invasive diagnostic method for the pre-therapeutic staging of Klatskin tumours.     

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography using mangafodipir compared with standard T2W MRC sequences: a pictorial essay

Mangafodipir, a manganese-containing hepatobiliary contrast agent, is excreted in bile. We review the principles and practice of a contrast-enhanced MRC technique using mangafodipir and compare it with standard T2-weighted magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) sequences. Potential applications include the evaluation of leaks and strictures; the assessment of drainage in normal, surgically by-passed, stented and obstructed biliary systems; the diagnosis of cholecystitis; and the evaluation of normal and variant biliary anatomy.     

CT cholangiography: assessment of feasibility and diagnostic reliability

Objective

To assess the reliability of computed tomography (CT) cholangiography in evaluating the anatomy of the intrahepatic biliary ducts.

Materials and methods

Twenty-eight patients underwent CT cholangiography at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, Italy. Twenty-one patients were candidates for liver surgery and seven had suspected postoperative biliary complications. The patients had not dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts at US examination and bilirubin levels were not higher than 2 mg/dl. To define the reability of the CT cholangiography, a scoring system (from 0 to 3) was used for each order of biliary branches.

Results

In all cases, it was technically possible to carry out the CT cholangiography according to the protocol. There were no adverse reactions to the contrast agent. Two radiologists gave the maximum score of 3 for visualisation of the first- and second-order biliary branches in all cases. For visualisation of third- and fourth-order biliary branches the maximum score of 3 was given in 18 patients, a score of 2 in 8 patients and a score of 1 in 2 patients. Three anatomical variants of biliary ducts were detected. CT cholangiography was diagnostic in all seven cases of suspected postoperative biliary complications.

Conclusion

Our work confirms the high spatial resolution and reability of CT cholangiography in evaluating the intrahepatic biliary anatomy of patients who are candidates for liver surgery, with non-dilated biliary ducts and with bilirubin levels no higher than 2 mg/dl.     

经皮肝穿胆道引流术治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症

目的 评价介入方法治疗肝移植术后胆管并发症的价值.方法 回顾性分析1999年10月-2005年10月肝移植术后发生的6例胆道并发症的相关资料,其中胆总管狭窄2例、胆总管狭窄并胆瘘1例、胆瘘1例、胆汁瘤2例.结果 术后出现胆道并发症患者,经皮肝穿胆道引流治疗5例,放置胆道支架1例.手术均取得成功,患者的临床症状有所好转.结论 介入方法治疗肝移植术后胆管并发症可减少再手术创伤,提高生存率与生存质量,具有良好的近期效果.     

CT胆管成像在疑诊胆道梗阻疾病中的应用

目的:探讨CT胆管成像(CTC)在疑诊胆道梗阻疾病中的应用价值。方法:对60例临床拟诊为胆道系统病变的病例行CT平扫及增强扫描,再用曲面重组、最低密度投影和多平面重组等方法重建出CT胆管成像(CTC)图像,结合两者作出诊断,与病理结果进行对照分析,计算CT+CTC对疑诊胆道梗阻病变的定位和定性诊断符合率。结果:胆管癌21例,胰腺癌18例,十二指肠乳头癌10例,胆管结石7例,胆总管囊肿3例,十二指肠乳头腺瘤1例。CT+CTC对疑诊胆道梗阻病变的定位和定性诊断符合率分别为100%和88.3%。结论:CT和CTC对疑诊胆道梗阻病变定位和定性诊断符合率高,具有良好的应用前景。     

Value of MR cholangiography in the evaluation of postoperative biliary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to describe the spectrum of abnormal biliary findings as seen with magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in symptomatic patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In our study we included 12 consecutive patients post-OLT who presented with clinical and/or biochemical suspicion of biliary complications. In all patients MRC was performed on a 1.0-T whole-body magnet and breathhold half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin echo and rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement sequences were used. Diagnostic confirmation was obtained with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC; n = 3 patients), endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC; n = 3 patients), or clinical follow-up. A vast array of biliary abnormalities were detected in 11 of 12 patients: high-grade, obstructive, anastomotic stricture was the most common unique abnormality. Findings consistent with bile duct necrosis, the second most common abnormality, were accompanied by arterial abnormalities in 2 of 5 patients on subsequent MR- and digital subtraction angiography. Compared with the findings obtained with direct cholangiography (n = 5 patients), MRC was highly accurate for the detection and characterization of postoperative biliary complications. Compared with the final diagnosis, which was based on PTC-ERC findings and/or all available clinical data, MRC imaging alone was able to provide a specific diagnosis in 9 of 12 patients. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is an accurate, time-saving, and non-invasive imaging modality in the evaluation of post-OLT patients in whom suspicion of biliary complications exists. Although the precise value of MRA in this patient group requires larger dedicated studies, single session “all-in-one” MR evaluation of both biliary and arterial system in our series proved to be a substantial benefit in obtaining an accurate and complete diagnosis. Received: 2 December 1999; Revised: 24 February 2000; Accepted: 24 February 2000     

Early biliary complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: evaluation on T2-weighted MR cholangiography in conjunction with mangafodipir trisodium-enhanced 3D T1-weighted MR cholangiography

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess preliminary experience with combined conventional T2-weighted and mangafodipir trisodium (MnDPDP)-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography in evaluating early biliary complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Conventional heavily T2-weighted MR cholangiography with MnDPDP-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography and ERCP were performed in seven patients with high clinical suspicion of biliary complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The final diagnoses of complications were classified according to the presence and degree of bile duct injury, bile leakage, and retained stones. RESULTS: The diagnoses on MR cholangiography were as follows: complete transection and occlusion of the common bile duct with bile leakage (n = 3), partial strictures of the common bile duct with bile leakage (n = 1), cystic duct leakage (n = 1), partial ligation of an aberrant right hepatic duct (n = 1), and hemorrhage without biliary complication (n = 1). The final diagnoses at surgery (n = 2) and ERCP (n = 5) were as follows: complete transection and occlusion of the common bile duct with bile leakage (n = 2), partial strictures of the common bile duct with bile leakage (n = 2), cystic duct leakage (n = 1), partial ligation of an aberrant right hepatic duct (n = 1), and hemorrhage without biliary complication (n = 1). MR cholangiography accurately yielded the same findings as the final diagnoses, except in one case with partial stricture of the bile duct with bile leakage (overdiagnosed as complete occlusion on MR cholangiography). CONCLUSION: Combined conventional T2-weighted and MnDPDP-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography may eliminate the use of other studies for the imaging of biliary complications after cholecystectomy if this preliminary data can be verified in a larger study.     

急诊内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术治疗急性梗阻性胆管炎及胆源性胰腺炎疗效分析

目的探讨急诊内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)治疗急性胆管炎的时机、安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析2014年9月至2016年12月确诊或疑诊急性胆管炎或胆源性胰腺炎的90例患者临床资料,分别于术前及术后3~10 d观察腹痛、发热、皮肤黄染等症状,比较血压、血常规、肝功、血淀粉酶及脂肪酶等指标,评价感染控制、梗阻性黄疸缓解情况以及疗效。结果 90例患者中,术中诊断胆总管结石78例(86.0%);Mirrizz综合征1例(1.0%);胆道、胰腺肿瘤5例(6.0%);胆管造影未见充盈缺损6例(7.0%)。急诊ERCP手术均成功行胆管引流,单纯行鼻胆管引流61例,塑料支架引流12例,金属支架引流1例,取石16例。90例患者,腹痛缓解率100%,感染缓解率90.7%,黄疸缓解率85.2%。治疗后痊愈出院76例(84.4%);好转9例(10.0%);病死5例(5.6%)。结论诊断中、重度急性梗阻性胆管炎或胆源性胰腺炎患者,如预计其可通过积极的内镜治疗获益,尽早行急诊ERCP是安全、有效的治疗手段。     

半傅立叶单次激发快速自旋回波序列单次屏气三维磁共振胆管成像

目的 前瞻性评价半傅立叶单次激发快速SE（HASTE）序列三维磁共振胆管成像（3D MRC）在胆管疾病诊断中的作用。方法 102例胆管疾病患者和20例正常成人行HASTE序列单次屏气3DＭＲＣ检查,对照分析患者的３D MRC表现与手术结果。结果 HASTE序列２D MRC能清晰显示各类胆管病变的形态改变。3D MRC诊断胆管炎的敏感性为90％,特异性与阳性预测值为100％,阴性预测值98％,诊断胆管结石的敏感性为90％,特异性99％,阳性预测值,阴性预测值均为96％,诊断胆管恶性梗阻的敏感性为90％,特异性97％,阳性预测值95％,阴性预测值94％,可显示胆总管癌和肝门胆管癌癌肿的位置,大小与侵犯范围,结论 HASTE序列3D MRC是诊断胆管病变的理想方法。     

Non-invasive detection of biliary leaks using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR cholangiography: comparison with T2-weighted MR cholangiography

Objective

To evaluate the added role of T1-weighted (T1w) gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) compared with T2-weighted MRC (T2w-MRC) in the detection of biliary leaks.

Methods

Ninety-nine patients with suspected biliary complications underwent routine T2w-MRC and T1w contrast-enhanced (CE) MRC using Gd-EOB-DTPA to identify biliary leaks. Two observers reviewed the image sets separately and together. MRC findings were compared with those of surgery and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiopancreatography. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the techniques in identifying biliary leaks were calculated.

Results

Accuracy of locating biliary leaks was superior with the combination of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC and T2w-MRC (P?<?0.05).The mean sensitivities were 79 % vs 59 %, and the mean accuracy rates were 84 % vs 58 % for combined CE-MRC and T2w-MRC vs sole T2w-MRC. Nineteen out of 21 patients with biliary-cyst communication, 90.4 %, and 12/15 patients with post-traumatic biliary extravasations, 80 %, were detected by the combination of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC and T2w-MRC images, P?<?0.05.

Conclusions

Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC yields information that complements T2w-MRC findings and improves the identification and localisation of the bile extravasations (84 % accuracy, 100 % specificity, P?<?0.05). We recommend Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC in addition to T2w-MRC to increase the preoperative accuracy of identifying and locating extravasations of bile.

Key Points

? Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) does not always detect bile leakage and cysto-biliary communications. ? Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC helps by demonstrating extravasation of contrast material into fluid collections. ? Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC also demonstrates the leakage site and bile duct injury type. ? Combined Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced and T2w-MRC can provide comprehensive information about biliary system. ? Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation.     

Confident Diagnosis of Bronchobiliary Fistula Using Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography

We report the utility of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) using gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in the diagnosis of bronchobiliary fistula associated with liver hydatid cyst. Contrast-enhanced MRC clearly delineated the leakage of contrast agent from the biliary duct and its communication with the bronchial tree. Providing functional information about physiologic or pathologic biliary flow in addition to the display of biliary anatomy, contrast-enhanced MRC stands as a robust technique in confidently detecting bronchobiliary fistula and bile leaks.     

MR liver imaging and cholangiography in the presence of surgical metallic clips at 1.5 and 3 Tesla

To evaluate whether clips from prior cholecystectomy impair image quality during magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) at 3 Tesla (T) compared with 1.5 T, surgical clips were embedded in a gel phantom and positioned at predefined distances from a fluid-filled tube designed to simulate the bile duct. The maximum clip distance was noted where susceptibility artifacts obscured the fluid-filled tube at 1.5 T and 3 T. Susceptibility artifact size was calculated for each sequence within each magnet class. In vivo analysis included 42 patients postcholecystectomy who underwent MRC at either 1.5 T or 3 T. In vitro, mean area of susceptibility artifacts was 104 mm² on 3-T and 75 mm² on 1.5-T MR imaging (MRI). While surgical clips within a 2-mm range impaired visualization of the fluid-filled tube on 1.5-T MRI, this range increased to 4 mm on 3-T MRI. In vivo, MRC image quality was impaired by susceptibility artifacts in three of 21 cases at 3 T and in two of 21 cases at 1.5 T. Overall, biliary pseudo-obstructions due to susceptibility artifacts from cholecystectomy surgical clips were not substantially more common on 3-T MRC in clinical practice, and patients with a history of prior cholecystectomy should not be excluded from a 3-T MRC.     

MR胆道成像评价活体肝移植供体胆道结构的应用价值

目的 探讨MR胆道成像(MRC)评价活体肝移植供体肝内胆道结构的准确性以及在活体肝移植中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析58例活体肝移植的供体,分析术前MRC资料,进行胆道分型,并与术中胆道造影(IOC)结果对照.结果 IOC诊断58例供体,发现胆道结构正常者34例(58.6%),胆道结构变异者24例(41.4%);MRC对58例供体胆道结构分型总准确率为91.4%(53/58),对胆道变异类型的诊断敏感度为83.3%(20/24),特异度为100%(34/34),阳性预测值为100%(20/20),阴性预测值为89.5%(34/38).结论 MRC能在术前准确评价活体肝移植供体的肝内胆管结构,有助于活体肝移植术前手术方案的制定.     

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Purpose:

To investigate the value of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced three‐dimensional T1‐weighted MR cholangiography (T1w‐MRC) in comparison to three‐dimensional T2‐weighted MR cholangiopancreaticography (T2w‐MRCP) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty‐four MR exams in 29 patients (46.0 ± 16.1 years; 19 men, 10 women) scanned within a 14‐month period were retrospectively included. Two abdominal radiologists independently evaluated image quality regarding image contrast, image quality degradation due to artifacts, and visualization quality of ducts. The order of biliary tree branches that were visualized and reader preference toward each method were recorded. Helpfulness of T1w‐MRC was scored in consensus. Confirmatory endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) performed within 3 months of the MR examination was available in 8 patients.

Results:

Image quality of T1w‐MRC and T2w‐MRCP was graded good to excellent in all cases. There were advantages for both T1w‐MRC (functional information, less degradation due to artifacts) and T2w‐MRCP (higher order of visualized branches, better branch depiction). Both readers showed preference for T2w‐MRCP; however, both readers found gadoxetic acid–enhanced T1w‐MRC helpful in the majority of cases.

Conclusion:

Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced T1w‐MRC is complementary to, but should not replace, T2w‐MRCP. T1w‐MRC is a useful adjunct to T2w‐MRCP for morphologic evaluation and provides additional diagnostic information. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:632–640. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiography in the assessment and management of biliary complications after OLT

Despite advances in patient and graft management, biliary complications (BC) still represent a challenge both in the early and delayed period after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Because of unspecific clinical presentation, imaging is often mandatory in order to diagnose BC. Among imaging modalities, magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) has gained widespread acceptance as a tool to represent the reconstructed biliary tree noninvasively, using both the conventional technique (based on heavily T2-weighted sequences) and contrast-enhanced MRC (based on the acquisition of T1-weighted sequences after the administration of hepatobiliary contrast agents). On this basis, MRC is generally indicated to: (1) avoid unnecessary procedures of direct cholangiography in patients with a negative examination and/or identify alternative complications; and (2) provide a road map for interventional procedures or surgery. As illustrated in the review, MRC is accurate in the diagnosis of different types of biliary complications, including anastomotic strictures, non-anastomotic strictures, leakage and stones.     

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.     

Using CT and cholangiography to diagnose biliary tract carcinoma complicating primary sclerosing cholangitis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine the value of CT and cholangiography for diagnosing biliary tract carcinoma complicating primary sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirteen abdominal CT examinations and cholangiograms in 45 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, including 18 patients with established biliary tract carcinoma, were analyzed for tumor. Four radiologists who were unaware of the presence or absence of carcinoma rated each study as to the probability of malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of CT and cholangiography, the value of imaging signs, and the degree of inter-observer variation in interpretation. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. RESULTS: CT outperformed cholangiography in the detection of carcinoma. The average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82 for CT and 0.57 for cholangiography (p = 0.003). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting carcinoma using CT were good, with average values of 82% and 80%, respectively. Average sensitivity and specificity for cholangiography were 54% and 53%, respectively. The most reliable sign of tumor on CT was a discrete mass. Progressive biliary dilatation on sequential studies was the most useful sign on cholangiography. Interobserver agreement assessed using the Cronbach alpha was fair for cholangiography and good for CT. CONCLUSION: CT provides good sensitivity and specificity and significantly outperforms cholangiography in detecting biliary tract carcinoma complicating primary sclerosing cholangitis. Despite limitations, CT and cholangiography provide useful information not otherwise available in the treatment of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

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.