Radiologic findings of clonorchiasis

Clonorchiasis is a trematodiasis caused by chronic infestation of liver flukes, Clonorchis sinensis. The adult flukes reside in the medium-sized and small intrahepatic bile ducts and, occasionally, in the extrahepatic bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. The result is mechanical obstruction, inflammatory reaction, adenomatous hyperplasia, and periductal fibrosis. Signs and symptoms are usually mild and nonspecific, but heavy infestation results in obstructive jaundice. The disease has a close relationship with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma. In this article, the radiologic findings, including cholangiography, sonography, and CT of clonorchiasis are reviewed in light of the pathophysiology of the disease. The relationship to recurrent pyogenic cholangitis and to cholangiocarcinoma is discussed.     

Visualization of pancreaticobiliary reflux in anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction by secretin-stimulated dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of secretin-stimulated dynamic MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for the visualization of pancreaticobiliary reflux in patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten controls and seven patients diagnosed as having anomalous PBJ were prospectively examined by dynamic MRCP after secretin injection using a breath-hold, single-shot turbo spin-echo T2-weighted sequence. The optimal MRCP section was repeated 35 times at approx. 10-second interval after secretin injection; the acquisition time was 4 s per image. The signal intensity (SI) changes of the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts, presence or absence of intraluminal signal void, caliber change of the bile duct, duodenal filling, and peak time of the SI ratio of the extrahepatic bile duct after secretin injection were compared between the controls and patients. RESULTS: In the controls, the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts showed neither enhancement nor caliber change over the observation period, providing no apparent peak time. Of the seven patients, the extrahepatic bile duct showed retrograde enhancement and sequential delay in occurrence of the peak time from its distal third to its proximal third (n = 6) with a signal void in its distal part (n =4); its caliber increased subsequently to pancreatic secretion (n = 5); the intrahepatic bile ducts showed a slight enhancement following SI increase of the proximal extrahepatic bile duct (n = 6); duodenal filling grade tended to be lower in the patients than volunteers (P<.005). CONCLUSION: In patients with anomalous PBJ pancreaticobiliary reflux were demonstrated by dynamic secretin-stimulated MRCP.     

MRI of oriental cholangiohepatitis

Oriental cholangiohepatitis (OCH) also called recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is characterized by intrahepatic duct calculi, strictures, and recurrent infections. In turn cholangitis can result in multiple hepatic abscesses, further biliary strictures, and in severe cases, progressive hepatic parenchymal destruction, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and conventional T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have been described in patients with OCH. MRCP findings include duct dilation, strictures, and calculi. MRCP can help to localize the diseased ducts and determine the severity of involvement. T1 and T2W sequences reveal the parenchymal changes of atrophy, abscess formation, and portal hypertension in addition to calculi. Post-treatment changes are also well depicted using MRI. Comprehensive, non-invasive assessment is achieved by using conventional MRI and MRCP in OCH providing a roadmap for endoscopic or surgical management.     

Role of MR cholangiopancreatography in patients with failed or inadequate ERCP

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of MR imaging features of primary sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of MR imaging findings including MR cholangiography and multiphasic contrast-enhanced dynamic sequences in 22 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. MR imaging analysis included abnormalities of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, abnormalities of liver parenchyma, changes in liver morphology, and lymphadenopathy. RESULTS: Abnormal findings of bile ducts were seen in all 22 patients; the most common finding was intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (77%), followed by intrahepatic bile duct stenosis (64%), extrahepatic bile duct wall enhancement (67%), extrahepatic bile duct wall thickening (50%), extrahepatic bile duct stenosis (50%), and intrahepatic bile duct beading (36%). Increased enhancement of the liver parenchyma on dynamic arterial-phase images, predominantly in the peripheral areas of the liver, was identified in 56% of patients. Other findings included periportal lymphadenopathy (77%), periportal high signal intensity on T2-weighted images (68%), hypertrophy of the caudate lobe (68%), and abnormal hyperintensity of the liver parenchyma on T1-weighted images (23%). CONCLUSION: On MR imaging, primary sclerosing cholangitis showed several characteristic features, including bile duct abnormalities and increased enhancement of the liver parenchyma. MR cholangiography and contrast-enhanced dynamic MR techniques are useful for revealing intra- and extrahepatic signs of primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

胆管癌误诊和漏诊的影像学分析

目的：分析胆管癌误诊和漏诊的原因，评价不同检查方法对肝门区胆管癌诊断的价值，提高胆管癌的影像学诊断和鉴别诊断水平。方法：收集31例临床和病理诊断为胆管癌的病例(ERCP检查31例，B超检查31例，25例CT检查，11例行MRCP检查)，回顾性分析不同检查方法的影像学表现。结果：31例中发生在肝门区的胆管癌25例。2例初次ERCP显示胆管内出血，再次行鼻胆管造影后诊断为胆管癌，4例合并有总胆管结石。6例为总胆管中下段癌。初次诊断准确性为90．3％。11例MRCP中9例显示病变，2例显示不满意，7例显示胆管或胆囊结石。25例CT中23例显示肝内胆管扩张，9例显示肝门区肿块，2例见后腹膜转移淋巴结，1例见肝内多发性转移瘤。12例初次诊断正确(48％)。B超检查23例提示肝内胆管扩张，6例提示总胆管结石，18例诊断为胆囊炎、胆囊结石，8例提示胆管占位(25．8％)。结论：良好的直接胆管造影是诊断胆管癌的金标准，MRCP可以在一定程度上准确显示病变的范围，是ERCP的良好补充，很大程度上取代了诊断性ERCP；CT诊断的关键在于显示扩张的胆管和梗阻的定位，肝门区梗阻多为胆管癌所致。多种影像检查方法的结合明显提高了诊断的准确性，对胆管癌治疗方案的选择有重要价值。     

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: ultrasound evaluation compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Fifty cases of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis among Chinese in Hong Kong were studied by ultrasound and compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The sensitivity of ultrasound detection of both dilated intrahepatic biliary ducts and intrahepatic calculi is 67% as compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A negative study, therefore, does not rule out the presence of such pathological features. A dilated common duct is present in virtually every case of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis and ultrasound is very accurate in its detection. Furthermore, ultrasound is able to provide additional information which can be missed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Prominent periportal echogenicity, concomitant abscesses and tumours are examples in this series. Such findings bear significance on the management of patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis.     

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.     

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.     

MR cholangiopancreatography in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: interobserver variability and comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the degree of interobserver variability and correlation between MR cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the presence of bile duct strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study involving 26 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, 31 MR cholangiopancreatograms were compared with 30 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograms. The MR cholangiopancreatograms were independently interpreted by two abdominal radiologists in a blinded, randomized manner for overall image quality, extent of ductal visualization, and the presence and location of bile duct strictures. Unweighted multirater kappa coefficient values were estimated for each comparison. RESULTS: Visualization of more than 50% of the expected ductal length was possible in the extrahepatic, central intrahepatic, and peripheral intrahepatic bile ducts in 99%, 88%, and 69% of the MR cholangiopancreatograms and 100%, 86%, and 52% of the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograms, respectively. Strictures were detected in the extrahepatic, central, and peripheral ducts in 53%, 68%, and 87% of the MR cholangiopancreatograms and 73%, 67%, and 63% of the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograms, respectively. The interobserver agreement for stricture detection was 61% for MR cholangiopancreatography and 76% for ERCP. MR cholangiopancreatographic findings were consistent with ERCP findings for the presence of strictures in 69% of the cases. CONCLUSION: In patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, MR cholangiopancreatography better shows the bile ducts and can depict more strictures, especially of the peripheral intrahepatic ducts, than ERCP. MR cholangiopancreatography can be used to noninvasively diagnose and follow up patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

Oriental cholangiohepatitis: diagnostic imaging and interventional management

Diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic experience with six patients who had oriental cholangiohepatitis is described. These patients combined had 10 prior operations. Postoperatively each had recurrent cholangitis, numerous stones, concretions, and/or bile duct strictures. Diagnostically, sonography was valuable in the detection of intra- and extrahepatic stones and extrahepatic dilatation of ducts. An important pitfall in sonography was poor visualization of intrahepatic ductal dilatation (due to echogenic sludge filling the ducts) in most patients. CT was helpful diagnostically in all respects. Interventional procedures used postoperatively included percutaneous transhepatic intrahepatic stones, and flushing techniques. Most patients were treated during multiple sessions as outpatients. Cholangitis was the only complication from the procedures. Sectional imaging and interventional radiology perform valuable diagnostic and therapeutic roles in the pre- and postoperative management of patients with oriental cholangiohepatitis.     

Cholangiographic findings in ulcerative colitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed in 28 patients with hepatobiliary disease associated with ulcerative colitis. The films were reviewed and correlated with diagnoses at liver biopsy. Thirteen patients with extrahepatic as well as intrahepatic bile duct abnormalities had characteristic cholangiographic findings compatible with sclerosing cholangitis, together with cholangiocarcinoma in one patient. Six patients had intrahepatic bile duct involvement only, and the cholangiographic abnormalities differed from those of sclerosing cholangitis. In 5 of these patients cirrhosis of the liver was found at biopsy or clinically. The result indicates that in patients with hepatobiliary disease suggested in association with ulcerative colitis, ERC gives valuable information.     

磁共振胰胆管成像对肝外胆管梗阻的诊断价值(附35例分析)

目的：探讨磁共振胰胆管成像对肝外胆管梗阻的诊断价值。方法：对35例肝外胆管梗阻性疾病行MRCP检查，MRCP采用呼吸门控重T2 FSE序列，把资源图像行MIP和／或MPR法重建。全部病例与临床诊断或手术和病理对照分析。结果：全部35例MRCP检查均一次成功，且胰胆管显示满意。经手术病理证实或临床综合诊断，恶性胆管梗阻28例(胆管癌14例，胰头癌11例，壶腹癌2例，转移癌1例)，胆管结石7例。MRCP对肝外胆管梗阻程度的判断和定位诊断准确率为100％，总定性诊断准确率为88．6％。结论：MRCP对肝外胆管梗阻定位诊断准确，结合资源图像和MR平扫，对肝外胆管结石和恶性梗阻的定性诊断均有较高的准确性。     

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.     

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.     

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic MRI and MRCP findings in patients with HIV infection

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the spectrum of MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of hepatic, pancreatic, and biliary manifestations in patients with HIV infection. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of MRI and MRCP findings in HIV-infected patients includes acute or chronic hepatitis (or both), pancreatitis, cholangitis, acalculous cholecystitis, and biliary strictures that may resemble primary sclerosing cholangitis. The presence of segmental extrahepatic biliary strictures is characteristic of AIDS cholangiopathy.     

肝外胆管梗阻的磁共振胆胰管造影诊断

目的 评价磁共振胆胰管造影（ＭＲＣＰ）对肝外胆管梗阻性疾病的临床诊断价值。方法 对５４例肝外胆管梗阻性疾病（肝外胆管结石３０例,恶性胆管梗阻２４例）进行ＭＲＣＰ检查,并与临床诊断或手术和病理结果对照分析。ＭＲＣＰ采用不屏气快速自旋回波（ＴＳＥ）序列重工Ｔ２ＷＩ扫描,结合呼吸触发及脂护抑制技术,原始图像以最大信号强度投影（ＭＩＰ）法进行三维重建。结果 全部５４例ＭＲＣＰ检查均一次成功,５２例胆胰管显     

MRCP在评价肝内胆管变异与肝内胆管结石相关性中的应用

目的应用磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)分析肝内胆管变异与肝内胆管结石的相关性。资料与方法搜集429例胆石症患者的MRCP检查资料,评价肝内胆管的解剖类型,并分析其与肝内胆管结石的关系。结果MRCP资料显示肝内胆管变异占总病例数的31.7%,肝内胆管常型占68.3%。在肝内胆管变异的病例中,有肝内胆管结石者58例(42.6%),无肝内胆管结石78例(57.4%);肝内胆管常型的病例中,有肝内胆管结石者77例(26.3%),无肝内胆管结石216例(73.7%)。两组病例发生肝内胆管结石概率的χ2检验结果为:χ2=11.538,P<0.005,差异有显著统计学意义。结论肝内胆管变异者有更高的肝内胆管结石发生率。     

静脉注射联合口服钆喷酸葡胺磁共振胆胰管成像在低场强MR的应用

目的分析口服稀释静脉用钆喷酸葡胺溶液作为低场强磁共振胃肠道阴性对比剂及联合静脉注射钆喷酸葡胺磁共振胆胰管成像(MRCP)在低场MR中用于显示胆胰管及疾病的能力。方法 30例临床可疑有胆胰管病变的患者,均有不同程度胆系梗阻、腹痛、不同程度皮肤或巩膜黄染等,部分有腹部肿块,均行MR平扫、Gd-DTPA(钆喷酸葡胺)强化检查,部分同时行超声及CT检查。结果 30例受检者均能清楚显示胆胰管树,并能清晰显示病变位置,其中18例发现肝内胆管占位,10例发现肝内胆管、肝外胆管及(或)胆囊结石,2例胰头占位。结论口服钆喷酸葡胺溶液可抑制胃及十二指肠内潴留液的高信号以及胆胰管树背景的小血管信号,改善MRCP图像的质量,结合肝胆MR平扫、强化应用具有较高的肝内、外胆管显示率及肝内、外胆管病变的显示能力,能为胆胰管病变的诊断及鉴别诊断提供更多帮助。     

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis due to chronic infestation with Clonorchis sinensis (2006: 8b)

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is a common disease in Southeast Asia, where an association with the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis is postulated. It is characterised by repeated attacks of cholangitis with multiple recurrences of bile duct stones and strictures. We present a case of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis due to chronic infestation with Clonorchis sinensis in a young Asian immigrant, describing its radiological appearances and also therapeutic strategies with a review of additional examples from the literature.     

磁共振胰胆管造影在肝外胆道梗阻性疾病中的应用价值分析

目的　评价磁共振胆胰管造影 (MRCP)对肝外胆管梗阻性疾病的临床诊断价值。方法　对 2 9例肝外胆管梗阻性疾病 (肝外胆管结石 9例 ,恶性胆管梗阻 18例 ,胆囊周围淋巴结反应性增生 1例 ,胆囊结石 1例 )进行MRCP检查 ,并与术后病理结果或临床综合诊断对照分析。MRCP采用屏气单次激发半数傅立叶变换的TSE序列 (HASTE) ,原始图像以最大信号强度投影 (MIP)法进行三维重建。结果　全部 2 9例MRCP检查均一次成功 ,2 7例胆胰管显示满意。MRCP对肝外胆管梗阻性疾病的定位诊断率为 10 0 % ,定性诊断率为 79.3 %。结论　MRCP检查成功率高 ,对肝外胆管梗阻的定位诊断准确 ,结合原始图像和常规MRI扫描 ,对肝外胆管结石和恶性胆管梗阻的定性诊断也有较高的准确性