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Lucius C, Flückiger A, Meier J, Möller K, Jenssen C, Braden B, Kallenbach M, Misselwitz B, Nolsøe C, Sienz M, Zervides C, Dietrich CF. Ultrasound of Bile Ducts-An Update on Measurements, Reference Values, and Their Influencing Factors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2025; 15:919. [PMID: 40218269 PMCID: PMC11988351 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15070919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2025] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/27/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Objective: To provide an overview of the technique and normal values of ultrasound studies of the bile system based on the published literature. Methods: A literature search for ultrasound studies with measurements of the bile ducts in healthy subjects was performed. Relevant data published between 1975 and end of 2024 were extracted, discussed, and complemented with the own experiences of the authors. The clinical implications are presented and discussed. Results: For the diameter of the common bile duct, reference values between 5 and 9 mm have been published. The main influencing factors are age and history of cholecystectomy, and other factors to be considered are discussed here. The cut-off for the common bile duct wall is set at 1.5 mm. The literature on measurements of intrahepatic bile ducts is scarce. A diameter of <2-3 mm can be considered normal. The method of ultrasound examination is presented here, as well as a comparison with other imaging methods and their clinical implications. Conclusions: Standardized measurement techniques and normal values in the context of influencing factors are crucial for the ultrasound examination of the bile system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lucius
- Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology, IBD Centre Helios Hospital Berlin Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Anja Flückiger
- Department General Internal Medicine (DAIM), Hospitals Hirslanden Bern Beau Site, Salem and Permanence, 3013 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Jennifer Meier
- Department Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Kliniken Hirslanden, Beau Site, Salem und Permanence, 3013 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Kathleen Möller
- Medical Department I/Gastroenterology, SANA Hospital Lichtenberg, 10365 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Jenssen
- Department for Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland, 15344 Strausberg, Germany
- Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound (BICUS) at Brandenburg Medical University, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Barbara Braden
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Medical Department B, University Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael Kallenbach
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Benjamin Misselwitz
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, LMU München, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Christian Nolsøe
- Center for Surgical Ultrasound, Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, 4600 Køge, Denmark
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Denmark University of Copenhagen, 1172 Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Michael Sienz
- Benedictine Congregation of St. Ottilien, St. Benedict Hospital Ndanda, Ndanda, Mtwara Region, Tanzania
| | | | - Christoph Frank Dietrich
- Department General Internal Medicine (DAIM), Hospitals Hirslanden Bern Beau Site, Salem and Permanence, 3013 Bern, Switzerland;
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