Biliary imaging by spiral CT cholangiography--a retrospective analysis.

Abstract

CT cholangiography employs spiral CT scanning after the administration of biliary contrast medium to generate three-dimensional images of the biliary tract. A retrospective review of 61 patients who had undergone CT cholangiography was performed to determine the technical efficacy and the clinical utility of the technique. The results of CT cholangiography were analysed retrospectively to determine technical success rate of the imaging procedure and to correlate imaging diagnosis with results of other diagnostic procedures and with clinical follow-up. 60 of the 61 examinations produced technically satisfactory images. 21 of these examinations showed bile duct abnormalities. (12 stones, 6 duct dilatation to papillary level, 2 post-operative strictures and 1 case of sclerosing cholangitis). The remaining 39 cases showed no bile duct abnormality. In 59 of the 60 cases, subsequent investigations and follow-up supported the CT cholangiographic diagnosis. CT cholangiography is a robust technique for imaging of the biliary tract and is a valuable addition to the battery of non-invasive biliary investigations.