CT appearance of sclerosing cholangitis

Abstract

Ten cases of sclerosing cholangitis, both primary and secondary forms, were found to have similar abnormalities within the liver on CT examinations. These changes are different from those seen in cases of biliary obstruction due to tumor, stone, inflammatory mass, or other focal process. The finding of focal, discontinuous areas of minimal intrahepatic biliary dilatation without associated mass lesion seems to be highly suggestive of sclerosing cholangitis. Only the rare, diffuse form of cholangiocarcinoma would be likely to produce a similar CT appearance.