Multidetector-row computed tomography with three-dimensional volume rendering of pancreatic cancer: a complete preoperative staging tool using computed tomography angiography and volume-rendered cholangiopancreatography.
Volume rendering, a postprocessing computer algorithm that creates three-dimensional (3D) displays from computed tomography (CT) datasets, can create 3D cholangiographic images (volume-rendered cholangiopancreatography, or VRCP) from intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal CT datasets without the use of a biliary contrast agent. This article illustrates the utility of VRCP in the setting of biliary obstruction due to pancreatic cancer. The 3D renderings of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree provide valuable information for planning biliary drainage, including the location and length of the obstruction as well as the relationship of intrahepatic ducts to liver metastases.
Johnson
Pamela T
PT
Johns Hoplins Outpatient Center, Room 3251, 601 N Caroline St. Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. pamelajohnson@msn.com
Heath
David G
DG
Hofmann
Lawrence V
LV
Horton
Karen M
KM
Fishman
Elliot K
EK
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000465:Algorithms; D000792:Angiography; D002758:Cholangiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed