Papillary neoplasms of the bile duct that mimic biliary stone disease

Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct: Clinical, Imaging, and Pathologic Features

OBJECTIVE

We outline the concept of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), discuss the morphologic features of IPNB and the differential diagnoses, and describe the radiologic approaches used in multidisciplinary management.

CONCLUSION

The concept of IPNB has been evolving. Because the imaging features of IPNB can be variable, different mimickers according to IPNB subtype can be considered. A multimodality approach is essential to obtain an optimal diagnosis and establish treatment plans.

Cross-Sectional Imaging of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Development, Growth, Spread, and Prognosis

OBJECTIVE

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant tumor that arises from the intrahepatic bile ducts. Although the pathologic and imaging features of ICC have been clearly identified, recent updates have addressed the pathologic classification and imaging features of ICC using new imaging techniques. First, a proposed new pathologic ICC subclassification includes perihilar large duct and peripheral small duct ICCs. Second, advanced MR-based imaging features of ICC, such as hepatobiliary phase imaging using hepatocytespecific contrast material and DWI, have recently been described. These imaging features are important when differentiating ICCs from hepatocellular carcinomas. Finally, some imaging features of ICC, such as prominent arterial enhancement or degree of delayed enhancement, exhibit potential as prognostic imaging biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive and updated knowledge of ICC is necessary for accurate diagnosis and could facilitate prediction of clinical outcomes for patients with ICC.

Added value of diffusion-weighted imaging to MR cholangiopancreatography for the diagnosis of bile duct dilatations

PURPOSE

To investigate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) when used with conventional T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (T2WI) and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for diagnosing bile duct dilatations.

METHODS

Our institutional review board approved this retrospective study protocol and waived the informed consent requirement. The study included 151 consecutive patients (70 men, 81 women) with intra- and/or extra-hepatic bile duct dilatation examined using MR imaging. Two radiologists independently and randomly reviewed 3 image sets (A: MRCP and T2WI; B: DWI; and C: combined T2WI, MRCP, and DWI) at different occasions to differentiate between malignancy, biliary lithiasis, and benign dilatation. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of these imaging sets were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

For both readers, combined T2WI, MRCP, and DWI exhibited significantly higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for malignant dilatation, compared with conventional T2WI and MRCP (P < 0.01 for both readers). However, DWI did not significantly affect the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for biliary lithiasis or benign dilatation.

CONCLUSION

The addition of DWI to T2WI and MRCP sequences yields significantly higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy when examining bile duct dilatations, particularly malignant dilatations.

Bile duct tumors

Bile duct tumors are benign or malignant lesions which may be associated to risk factors or potentially malignant lesions. They constitute an heterogenous entities group with a different biological behavior and prognosis according to location and growth pattern. We revise the role of the radiologist in order to detect, characterize and stage these tumors, specially the importance of their classification when deciding an appropriate management and treatment.

Imaging bile duct tumors: pathologic concepts, classification, and early tumor detection

Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bile ducts which has several predisposing factors such as hepatolithiasis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and can develop from precancerous conditions such as biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. As surgical resection of early stage cholangiocarcinoma or precancerous lesions may provide better prognosis, early detection of those lesions is very important. Imaging studies play important roles in the diagnosis of bile duct tumors followed by appropriate management. Indeed, not only diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma but also appropriate categorization of bile duct tumors based on their morphologic features and location on cross-sectional imaging studies, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, is important to predict their biologic behaviors, and choose relevant treatment strategies. We herein review the classification system of the bile duct tumors with their radiologic and pathologic findings as well as role of imaging in the early detection of bile duct tumors.

Extrahepatic biliary cancer: New staging classification

Tumor staging defines the point in the natural history of the malignancy when the diagnosis is made. The most common staging system for cancer is the tumor, node, metastases classification. Staging of cancers provides useful parameters in the determination of the extent of disease and prognosis. Cholangiocarcinoma are rare and refers to cancers that arise from the biliary epithelium. These tumors can occur anywhere along the biliary tree. These tumors have been previously divided into extrahepatic and intrahepatic lesions. Until recently the extrahepatic bile duct tumors have been considered as a single entity per American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging classification. The most recent changes to the AJCC classification of bile duct cancers divide the tumors into two major categories: proximal and distal tumors. This practical classification is based on anatomy and surgical management. High quality cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the abdomen are essential information to accurately stage this tumors. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis, localization, staging and optimal management of cholangiocarcinoma. For example, it helps to localize the tumor to either perihilar or distal bile duct, both of which have different management. Further, it helps to accurately stage the disease and identify the presence of significant nodal and distant metastasis, which may preclude surgery. Also, it helps to identify the extent of local invasion, which has a major impact on the management. For example, extensive involvement of hepatic duct reaching up to second-order biliary radicals or major vascular encasement of portal vein or hepatic arteries precludes curative surgery and patient may be managed by palliative therapy. Further, imaging helps to identify any anatomical variations in the hepatic arterial or venous circulation and biliary ductal system, which is vital information for surgical planning. This review presents relevant clinical presentation and imaging acquisition and presentation for the accurate staging classification of bile duct tumors based on the new AJCC criteria. This will be performed with the assistance of anatomical diagrams and representative CT and MR images. The image interpretation must include all relevant imaging information for optimum staging. Detailed recommendations on the items required on the radiology report will be presented.

Morphology of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts: radiologic-pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPN-B) is known as a premalignant lesion of invasive cholangiocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was for radiologic-pathologic correlation of morphologic features of IPN-B and to correlate the subclassifications with biological behavior in regard to the bile duct wall invasion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pathologist classified gross morphology of 75 cases (44 men and 31 women, age range, 39-85) of histopathologically proven IPN-B into polypoid, cast-like, superficial-spreading, and cyst-forming type. Preoperative images were retrospectively reviewed by two observers independently and classified the gross appearance of intraductal tumors into the four types.

RESULTS

The pathologist classified macroscopic appearances of 75 cases of IPN-B into polypoid type in 26, cast-like intraductal growth in 17, superficial-spreading growth in 21, and cyst-forming type in 11. Two observers classified image findings in accordance with pathologist's classification in 58 and 57 (77% and 76%) among the 75 cases of IPN-B, respectively; 18 and 19 of 26 cases of polypoid type, 14 and 14 of 17 cases of cast-like growth type, 16 and 19 of 21 cases of superficial-spreading type, 10 and 5 of 11 cases of cyst-forming type, respectively. Interobserver agreement for subclassification of tumor morphology was in the category of good agreement (k = 0.651). There was no correlation between morphological subclassification and tendency to invasive cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

IPN-Bs can be classified morphologically into polypoid, cast-like growth, superficial-spreading, and cystic type, but there is no correlation between the types and tendency to invasive cholangiocarcinoma.

A comparative study of intraductal papillary neoplasia of the biliary tract and pancreas

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare but well-established entity in contrast to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract. The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathologic features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the biliary tract and of the pancreas. Twenty patients who underwent resection for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract were compared with 29 cases resected for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas. Clinicopathologic characteristics and resection specimens of all patients were reassessed and immunohistochemically screened for expression of a distinct set of tumor markers. Median ages of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the biliary tract and of the pancreas were 66 and 62 years, respectively (P < .05). Twelve patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract (60%) had neoplasms with infiltrating carcinoma, compared with 6 patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (21%, P < .05). Cytokeratin 7 and 20 expressions were equal in biliary and pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Cytokeratin 20 expression was mainly found in intestinal-type tumors. Gastric, pancreaticobiliary, and oncocytic subtypes were all observed in the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract group. The distribution was significantly different from the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas group. The 3-year overall survival rate of malignant biliary and pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was 63% and 65%, respectively (P = .798). Positive lymph nodes and a high expression of membranous mucin were associated with a significantly shorter overall survival in patients with malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Finally, p53 and Ki67 proliferation index were both associated with the carcinogenesis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, whereas DPC4 and CDX2 were not. Clinicopathologic features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract largely resemble those of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas, although intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract was associated with a higher malignancy rate at the time of surgical treatment. The level of membranous mucin expression and positive lymph nodes are significant prognosticators in patients with malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

Differentiation of intraductal growing-type cholangiocarcinomas from nodular-type cholangiocarcinomas at biliary MR imaging with MR cholangiography

PURPOSE

To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of intraductal growing (IDG)-type cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and to identify the features that differentiate it from nodular-type CC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the informed consent requirement. Thirty-nine patients with pathologically proved IDG-type (n = 19) or nodular-type (n = 20) CCs who had undergone preoperative gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging with MR cholangiography were included in this study. Analysis of MR findings included determination of the (a) shape, enhancement degree, and pattern of the tumor; (b) outer caliber of the tumor-bearing segment; and (c) presence of tumor multiplicity, upstream and downstream bile duct dilatation, bile duct wall thickening adjacent to the tumor, and adjacent organ invasion. The significance of these findings was determined with the χ² test.

RESULTS

Significant features in the differentiation of IDG-type CCs from nodular-type CCs included papillary or irregular polypoid shape, lack of constriction of the tumor-bearing segment, hypoenhancement of the tumor to the liver during the equilibrium phase, tumor multiplicity, upstream and downstream bile duct dilatation, and no bile duct wall thickening adjacent to the tumor (P < .05). When at least two of these six imaging features were used in combination, sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of IDG-type CCs were 95% and 70%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

By using characteristic MR features, one can differentiate IDG-type CC from nodular-type CC with a high degree of accuracy at biliary MR imaging with MR cholangiography.

Varying appearances of cholangiocarcinoma: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic tumor. Various risk factors have been reported for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and the radiologic and pathologic findings of this disease entity may differ depending on the underlying risk factors. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma can be classified into three types on the basis of gross morphologic features: mass-forming (the most common), periductal infiltrating, and intraductal growth. At computed tomography (CT), mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma usually appears as a homogeneous low-attenuation mass with irregular peripheral enhancement and can be accompanied by capsular retraction, satellite nodules, and peripheral intrahepatic duct dilatation. Periductal infiltrating cholangiocarcinoma is characterized by growth along the dilated or narrowed bile duct without mass formation. At CT and magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse periductal thickening and increased enhancement can be seen with a dilated or irregularly narrowed intrahepatic duct. Intraductal cholangiocarcinoma may manifest with various imaging patterns, including diffuse and marked ductectasia either with or without a grossly visible papillary mass, an intraductal polypoid mass within localized ductal dilatation, intraductal castlike lesions within a mildly dilated duct, and a focal stricture-like lesion with mild proximal ductal dilatation. Awareness of the underlying risk factors and morphologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is important for accurate diagnosis and for differentiation from other hepatic tumorous and nontumorous lesions.

Mucin-producing bile duct tumors: radiological-pathological correlation and diagnostic strategy

Mucin-producing bile duct tumors are characterized by intraductal papillary tumors producing large amounts of mucin. The tumor comprises macroscopically prominent intraductal papillary neoplastic epithelia and produces a large amount of viscid mucin, resulting in dilatation of the bile ducts. The surface of the tumor is frond-like, velvety, or serrated. The tumor exhibits five intraductal growth patterns; polypoid intraductal growth, mucosal spreading growth, cast-like intraductal growth, cystic tumor, and intraductal floating tumors. Imaging features reflect the interplay between the morphology of the tumor, the amount of mucin production, and biliary dilatation. This review article describes the radiological manifestations of the tumor, based on pathological-radiological correlation and biological behavior.

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of bile ducts radiologic and pathologic features: a case report

We report a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian man with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. He underwent radiologic investigations that revealed a solid, focal mass, at the V hepatic segment. Because a definitive diagnosis, based on imaging appearance of the lesion, was impossible in our case, we performed a hystopathological investigation but the biopsies were inconclusive. So, the definitive diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of bile ducts was made on surgical resected material.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the liver (IPNL) is a recently recognized entity which closely resembles an intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) of the pancreas.

Biliary intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm manifesting only as dilatation of the hepatic lobar or segmental bile ducts: imaging features in six patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of intrahepatic biliary intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm manifesting only as dilatation of the lobar or segmental bile ducts without a visible mass to determine whether this type of cholangiocarcinoma can be recognized on the basis of distinct imaging features.

CONCLUSION

Intrahepatic biliary intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm can spread along the mucosa without forming a mass and can produce a large amount of mucin. Severe dilatation of the lobar or segmental intrahepatic bile ducts with crowding and severe atrophy of the hepatic parenchyma are helpful imaging findings.

Solitary hilar biliary adenoma: MR imaging and MR cholangiography features with pathologic correlation

Biliary adenoma is a rare tumour characterized by the proliferation of bile duct epithelium into the lumen. Diagnosis is usually based on the imaging findings of bile duct dilatation and intraductal mass. We describe previously un-reported magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiography features with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and pathologic correlation of a solitary hilar biliary adenoma.

Multidetector computed tomography cholangiography with multiplanar reformation for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate the diagnostic use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cholangiography with multiplanar reformation (MPR) for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction.

METHODS

MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique was performed in 58 patients who were thought to have biliary obstruction. No cholangiographic contrast agent was administered. MRCP in 24 patients, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 46 patients and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) in 24 patients were performed. Eighteen patients underwent biopsy or surgery. The findings on MDCT cholangiography were compared with those of MRCP, ERCP, PTC, biopsy or surgery.

RESULTS

The findings of MDCT cholangiography were as follows: choledocholithiasis (n = 34, 56.7%), malignant stricture (n = 14, 23.3%), benign stricture (n = 1, 1.7%), and cholelithiasis (n = 11, 18.3%). A small common bile duct (CBD) stone in one patient could not be detected on MDCT cholangiography. One patient with a small stone in distal CBD detected on MDCT cholangiography had no stone on ERCP. Two patients with initial diagnoses of CBD stones by MDCT cholangiography were disclosed to have malignant bile duct stricture by reference examination. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stones were 96.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stricture were 85.7% and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction was 89.8%.

CONCLUSION

MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique is a fast and non-invasive technique with relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction.

CT features of an intraductal polypoid mass: Differentiation between hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor invasion and intraductal papillary cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the CT features capable of differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor invasion (BDTI) from intraductal cholangiocarcinoma (IDCC).

METHODS

Multiphasic CT images of 14 patients with HCC with BDTI and 18 patients with IDCC were retrospectively reviewed. Analysis of the CT findings included the size, location, and margin of the intraductal mass, the enhancement pattern of intraductal lesions, degree of ductal dilatation, presence of downstream ductal dilatation and ductal wall thickening, presence of parenchymal mass and its size, continuity of parenchymal mass with intraductal mass, and liver cirrhosis. Objective evaluation of the enhancement patterns of intraductal tumors was done by measuring the CT attenuation coefficients of the tumors and the uninvolved hepatic parenchyma in each phase. Among these findings, statistically significant variables were then determined using Fisher exact test or Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Significant variables that helped differentiating HCC with BDTI from IDCC included the presence of parenchymal mass, liver cirrhosis, and the hyperattenuating intraductal tumor on the hepatic arterial phase (HAP). On unenhanced images, the tumor-to-liver contrast of IDCC (16.7 +/- 8.1) was greater than that of HCC with BDTI (6.4 +/- 10.4), but on HAP, that of HCC with BDTI (26.5 +/- 28.2) was greater than that of IDCC (5.9 +/- 18.7) (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the enhancement ratio of the intraductal tumors on portal venous phase (PVP) between the 2 conditions (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Several objective and subjective multiphasic CT findings may help differentiating HCC with BDTI from IDCC.

Computed tomography features of an intraductal polypoid mass: differentiation between hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor invasion and intraductal papillary cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the computed tomography (CT) features capable of differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor invasion (BDTI) from intraductal cholangiocarcinoma (IDCC).

METHODS

Multiphasic CT images of 14 patients with HCC with BDTI and 18 patients with IDCC were retrospectively reviewed. Analysis of the CT findings included the size, location, and margin of the intraductal mass; enhancement pattern of intraductal lesions; degree of ductal dilatation; presence of downstream ductal dilatation and ductal wall thickening; presence of a parenchymal mass and its size; continuity of the parenchymal mass with the intraductal mass; and liver cirrhosis. Objective evaluation of the enhancement patterns of intraductal tumors was done by measuring the CT attenuation coefficients of the tumors and the uninvolved hepatic parenchyma in each phase. Among these findings, statistically significant variables were then determined using the Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Significant variables that helped to differentiate HCC with BDTI from IDCC included the presence of a parenchymal mass, liver cirrhosis, and a hyperattenuating intraductal tumor on the hepatic arterial phase (HAP). On unenhanced images, the tumor-to-liver contrast of IDCC (16.7+/-8.1) was greater than that of HCC with BDTI (6.4+/-10.4), but on the HAP, that of HCC with BDTI (26.5+/-28.2) was greater than that of IDCC (5.9+/-18.7) (P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the enhancement ratio of the intraductal tumors on the portal venous phase between the 2 conditions (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Several objective and subjective multiphasic CT findings may help to differentiate HCC with BDTI from IDCC.

Early bile duct carcinoma: comparison of imaging features with pathologic findings

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the imaging features of early bile duct carcinoma and to compare these features with histopathologic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board did not require its approval or informed patient consent for this study. Twenty-one patients (13 men, eight women; mean age, 60 years; range, 48-75 years) with early bile duct carcinoma that was surgically resected and histopathologically confirmed were included. Ultrasonography (US) was performed in 15 patients, computed tomography (CT) in 21, cholangiography in 18, and magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography in six. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed imaging features by consensus; they compared growth pattern of tumors, integrity of the bile duct wall that harbored the tumor, and periductal infiltration with histopathologic findings.

RESULTS

Pathologic specimens showed intraluminal tumor growth in all cases. Tumors were confined to the mucosa in 11 patients and involved the fibromuscular layer in 10 patients. In four of the 10 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, four of the five hilar cholangiocarcinomas, and six of the six extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, there were intraductal tumor masses and the wall of the tumor-bearing bile ducts was preserved without periductal infiltration on US and CT images. On cholangiograms and MR cholangiograms, tumors were better delineated but the wall invasion could not be evaluated. No difference in image findings was found between carcinoma confined to the mucosa and carcinoma involving the fibromuscular layer.

CONCLUSION

Imaging features of early bile duct carcinoma are a tumor mass in the bile duct lumen and integrity of the tumor-bearing bile duct wall without infiltration outside the wall.

Malignant biliary obstruction: value of imaging findings

This review focuses on the clinical impact of different modalities to image primary and secondary malignant biliary obstruction. The detection and staging of cancers of the pancreatic and biliary tract are best accomplished with endoscopic ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Three-dimensional ultrasound is a new noninvasive method that may be used increasingly as an initial test to select patients who require further diagnostic evaluation by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All-in-one computed tomography including three-dimensional reconstructions of the biliary tree may be competitive against all-in-one magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and staging of pancreatic tumors. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is excellent for identifying the presence and the level of biliary obstruction. With newer diagnostic imaging technologies emerging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is evolving into a predominantly therapeutic procedure.

MDCT cholangiography with volume rendering for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the diagnostic utility of MDCT cholangiography with volume rendering in the evaluation of patients with suspected biliary tree obstruction.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

MDCT was performed in 34 patients who were thought to have biliary obstruction. Portal venous phase scanning was initiated 70 sec after the IV infusion of 150 mL of contrast agent, and no cholangiographic contrast agent was administered. Three-dimensional MDCT cholangiographic images were produced using volume rendering. ERCP was performed in 26 patients, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) was performed in five patients; 17 patients underwent biopsy or surgery. The findings on MDCT cholangiography were compared with those of ERCP, PTC, biopsy, or surgery.

RESULTS

The correct diagnosis was made on MDCT cholangiography for 14 (93%) of the 15 patients with a biliary stone and in 16 (94%) of the 17 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Microlithiasis in one patient could not be detected on MDCT cholangiography. One patient with polypoid adenocarcinoma and one patient with normal findings were incorrectly diagnosed with a biliary stone on the basis of MDCT cholangiography. In one of the two patients with a benign stricture, the stricture was incorrectly diagnosed as malignant. For the diagnosis of biliary stone, sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography were 93% and 89%, respectively. For the diagnosis of malignant obstruction, sensitivity and specificity were both 94%. The accuracy of the technique for the diagnosis of the cause of biliary obstruction was 83.3%.

CONCLUSION

MDCT cholangiography with volume rendering is a noninvasive and fast imaging technique with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of the cause of biliary tree obstruction. It is a promising diagnostic tool for the assessment of patients with bile duct obstructions.

Cross-sectional imaging of biliary tumors: current clinical status and future developments

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, including hilar cholangiocarcinoma, is a relatively rare diagnosis. However, it frequently has been associated with major problems in diagnostics and clinical management from its first comprehensive description by Klatskin up until today. In this article, cholangiocarcinoma, representing the most common biliary tumor, as well as the differential diagnoses of benign and malignant biliary obstruction, will be discussed. The latest improvements of cross-sectional imaging modalities (sonography, CT, MRI and PET) and their diagnostic values for detection and staging will be displayed. A practical imaging-based diagnostic approach to obstructive biliary disease will be proposed.